WASHINGTON -- In honor of Veteran's Day, the American Red Cross pledged a long overdue apology to veterans.

A bad decision made 65 years ago still haunts the Red Cross. In 1942, during World War II, the Red Cross was ordered by then-Secretary of War Harold Stimson to charge soldiers a nickel for the doughnuts and coffee that it distributed at "Red Cross clubs" behind the battle lines in parts of Europe.

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According to the Red Cross, Stimson's thinking at the time was that non-U.S. allied soldiers had to pay for refreshments, so in the spirit of morale, which Stimson feared was suffering, he ordered American soldiers to pay for refreshments.

The move made soldiers furious. Even today, many of the soldiers tell their families to boycott the Red Cross.

On Monday, as Americans observed Veterans' Day, a day to honor the sacrifices of soldiers, the Red Cross officially apologized.

In a statement, the Red Cross wrote in part:

"Thank you for your service to our country. And thank you for your support of the American Red Cross. And, now and forever, the coffee and doughnuts are on us."

The Red Cross also set up a tent on Monday near the World War II Memorial and gave away coupons for coffee and doughnuts. Some World War II veterans attended the event, which was held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.