First created in 1938 in honor of the women who handed out donuts to soldiers during World War I, today, National Donut Day honors anyone who buys a beverage at a certain donut chain - with a free donut.

The national donut chain, Dunkin Donuts, is serving up free donuts with the purchase of a medium drink on Friday.

Salvation Army volunteers began providing donuts to soldiers stationed in France from huts near the front lines in 1917. In 1938, the Salvation Army started celebrating National Donut Day as a way to raise money during the Great Depression.

You can celebrate this historic holiday by stopping by our local Dunkin Donuts at for your free sweet treat. Dunkin Donuts is open until 9p.m. and the offer will be available as long as supplies last.