Free bridal gowns for military brides to be

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LAKEWOOD - In this economy, any use of the word "free" will get attention.

The latest free offer comes from d'Anelli Bridal in Lakewood. On Nov. 9, the bridal salon is offering up 30 free bridal gowns for military wives to be.

To qualify for the giveaway, the brides to be must either be active duty military members or be engaged to an active duty member serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. It will be first come, first served.

Alicia Donaldson, 24, is an eligible early bird.

"There are no words to express how much I appreciate this," said Donaldson.

Donaldson and her fiancé were supposed to have wed last June, but Army Sgt. Ulrick Abram's tour in Iraq got extended and the wedding had to be delayed, four times. The couple is now planning to wed in May.

"It's been a long time coming and you it's been such an emotional roller coaster planning a military wedding because the military is so unpredictable," Donaldson said.

All military brides to be will be required to show proper identification and a copy of deployment papers or other qualifying documents.

Sandi Schrievogel is the owner of d'Anelli Bridal. She says the salon wanted to participate in the giveaway to show support for families who are sacrificing their time together for service to the country. For Schrievogel, there is a personal connection. She too was once a military wife.

"I got married right out of high school, I got married that summer and he left for Vietnam and three months later he got killed. I get a little emotional when talking about it," said Schrievogel.

The event is part of national event that aims to bring awareness to Veterans Day and the service of military personnel and their families. For more information, visit http://www.bridesacrossamerica.com/.