Sometimes the “little things” are, in fact, a big deal to some people.

That message was on display Monday morning in the Harris Teeter parking lot. Members of the Rowan County Veterans Council presented a plaque of appreciation to the grocery store for having two parking spaces reserved for veterans.

“It’s more important to recognize somebody who recognizes us,” David Hand, council president, said.

Store Director Mike Harding said veterans thank him and the store every day for the reserved parking spots.

“It’s an honor for us” to provide this service, Harding said.

Harris Teeter installed signs for veteran parking at all of its stores last year. The signs at the Salisbury Harris Teeter have been there for about six months, Harding said, and veterans use the spaces everyday.

Dick Richards, a veteran who served in the Navy and the Army National Guard, arrived at the store just after the presentation. After parking his pickup truck in one of the reserved spaces, he said he shops at Harris Teeter because the store honors veterans.

Veterans Council member Bill Craddock said the reserved spaces are also important because disabled veterans need a place to park that’s close to the store entrance.

“They had to be recognized for what they’ve done,” he said about Harris Teeter.

Lewis Reed, a member of the council, said,”We know Harris Teeter appreciates veterans because they provide parking for our veterans.”

The men said all businesses should have reserved parking for veterans, and that they hope what Harris Teeter has done will encourage other businesses to do the same.

“This is good,” Reed said.

Members of the veterans council, and veterans from around the community, meet Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thelma’s in the West End Plaza, which also has reserved parking for veterans.

Contact Reporter David Purtell at 704-797-4264.