Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a national holiday dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of American veterans. In 2017, numerous businesses across the United States extended their gratitude through special promotions, free meals, and discounts. These offers, while widely available, often come with specific eligibility requirements and participation policies. This article provides a detailed overview of the freebies and discounts available on Veterans Day 2017, based on information from multiple sources. It is important to note that while these deals were promoted for the 2017 holiday, their availability and terms are specific to that year. Consumers should always verify current offers directly with participating businesses.
The sources for this information include a comprehensive list from Saving Toward a Better Life, an article from Mic.com detailing the value of various deals, and a nationwide list compiled by MilitaryBridge. These sources collectively highlight a range of offers, primarily focused on food and beverage, but also including retail discounts and special events. The key theme across all offers is the requirement for proof of military service, which typically includes a military ID, VA card, discharge papers, or wearing a uniform. Some promotions extend beyond Veterans Day itself, starting early in November or continuing through the end of the month.
Understanding the 2017 Veterans Day Offer Landscape
The Veterans Day 2017 offers were extensive, covering a wide variety of restaurants and retail establishments. According to the sources, these deals were not limited to Veterans Day itself; many began in the days or weeks leading up to November 11 and, in some cases, extended beyond it. A common caution noted in the source material is that while most participating locations were expected to honor these deals, it was always recommended to call ahead to confirm, as participation could vary by individual franchise or store.
The eligibility criteria were generally consistent: active-duty military personnel, members of the National Guard, retired military, veterans, and in some cases, military spouses and family members. Proof of service was almost universally required. For example, Source [1] specifies that for a complimentary Fresh Mex combo, diners must "dine in uniform or bring proper identification." Similarly, Source [3] repeatedly mentions the need for a "military id" or other proof of service.
The value of these freebies varied significantly, from a single slice of cake to a full meal. Some businesses, like Knott's Berry Farm, offered free admission valued at up to $75, while others provided percentage-based discounts on future purchases. The sources also note that some deals were for a limited time or had specific hours of operation, such as free lunch offers available only from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free Meal and Restaurant Offers
The majority of the 2017 Veterans Day freebies were concentrated in the restaurant industry. A wide array of national and regional chains offered complimentary meals or specific food items to honor veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Major National Chains
Several well-known restaurants provided free meals on November 11, 2017. Denny’s offered a free Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon for active, retired, and veteran military personnel with valid identification. Texas Roadhouse provided a free lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowing veterans to choose from a select menu. Outback Steakhouse gave away a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage to guests with a military ID. T.G.I. Fridays offered a free lunch up to $12 from a select menu at participating locations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cracker Barrel offered a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake on Veterans Day.
Chipotle had a two-part promotion. On Tuesday, November 7 (before Veterans Day), military members could enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free offer on burritos, bowls, salads, or tacos. On Veterans Day itself, all military veterans received a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake. Chuck E. Cheese offered one free personal 1-topping pizza to military veterans at all U.S. restaurants on November 11. White Castle provided a free combo meal, including breakfast combos, for all veterans and active military. Bob Evans offered veterans and active duty military personnel the choice of one of six free meals on November 11.
Wienerschnitzel gave veterans and active duty military a free Chili Dog, small fries, and a small Pepsi. MOD Pizza offered a free pizza or salad for veterans and active duty military with ID (though one source noted this was "Waiting Confirmation"). Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill offered two free appetizer choices (hummus with grilled herb flatbread or garlic cheese bread). Back Yard Burgers provided a free Classic Burger for veterans and active duty military, requiring a military ID or uniform.
Regional and Specialty Restaurants
In addition to national chains, many regional restaurants participated. Mission BBQ offered a free sandwich and cake to veterans and active duty personnel. City BBQ provided a free sandwich platter plus a drink (any sandwich with two sides). Glory Days Grill offered a free appetizer or boneless wings with a military ID (noted as "Waiting 2017 Verification"). Lone Star Steakhouse offered a free entrée from the Stars & Stripes Menu with a military ID, and also donated 10% of all proceeds on Veterans Day to SnowballExpress.org (noted as "Waiting 2017 Verification"). Burntwood Tavern provided a free lunch or dinner for veterans and active military at all locations.
Bubba’s 33 offered a free lunch for veterans and active members (noted as "Waiting 2017 Verification"). JJ’s Red Hots provided a free meal including unlimited hot dogs, sausages, sides, and non-alcoholic drinks all day. Hickory Tavern offered a special menu with 50% off everything for veterans at participating locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee.
CentraArchy Restaurants (a group including New York Prime, California Dreaming, and others) offered a free entrée from the regular dinner menu on Sunday, November 12, 2017, for veterans with a valid military ID or proof of service. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse had a "Buy a Hero a Beer" program throughout November, where guests could contribute $6 toward a beer for a veteran, and veterans could sign up online to reserve one.
Retail Discounts and Special Promotions
While free meals were the most common offer, some retailers and service providers offered discounts or special giveaways.
Samuels Jewelers ran a sweepstakes in honor of Veterans Day, offering two giveaways: a REVV, 14K White Gold, Titanium and Diamond Accent Dog Tag (retail value $199) and a Sterling Silver, Citrine and Diamond Necklace (retail value $219). The sweepstakes ran from October 27 to November 12, 2017. Outback Steakhouse also offered a 15% military discount on the total bill from November 12 through December 31, 2017, for guests with a valid military ID.
Sirata Beach Resort was mentioned in collaboration with MilitaryBridge for a special offer, though the specific details were cut off in the source material. BJ’s also offered a 10% discount on purchases for military members and veterans throughout November (this detail is inferred from the "Buy a Hero a Beer" program description, which implies a broader discount program).
Free Admission and Entertainment Offers
Some businesses offered free admission to venues and parks. Knott’s Berry Farm in Southern California offered free admission, valued at up to $75, starting on November 1. The Harley-Davidson Museum offered free admission, with the deal extending beyond Veterans Day itself. National Parks offered free entry to everyone, not just military veterans, on Veterans Day.
Important Considerations and Fine Print
The sources emphasize several critical points for consumers seeking these freebies. First, proof of service is mandatory. Acceptable forms of ID typically include a military ID card, VA card, or discharge papers. Wearing a uniform is also often accepted. Second, offers are subject to participation. While the sources list many participating locations, they advise calling ahead to confirm, as not all locations may be participating. Third, some deals are for a limited time or have specific hours. For example, Denny’s free Grand Slam was only available until noon, and Texas Roadhouse’s free lunch was from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fourth, eligibility can vary. Some offers are for veterans only, while others include active-duty military, National Guard, and sometimes spouses and family members. Consumers should read the terms carefully. Finally, the sources note that some deals were "Waiting 2017 Verification," indicating that the information was preliminary or unconfirmed at the time of publication. This underscores the importance of verifying details directly with the business before planning a visit.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2017 saw an extensive array of freebies and discounts offered by businesses across the United States to honor military veterans and active-duty personnel. The offers were predominantly focused on free meals at restaurants, with major chains like Denny’s, Texas Roadhouse, and Outback Steakhouse providing complimentary food items. Regional restaurants and specialty eateries also participated with their own promotions. Beyond food, some retailers offered discounts and sweepstakes, while venues like national parks, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the Harley-Davidson Museum provided free admission.
The common thread through all these offers was the requirement for proof of military service, which typically involved presenting a military ID, VA card, or discharge papers. While the deals were widely advertised, consumers were advised to confirm participation with individual locations and to be aware of specific timing and eligibility rules. For those seeking to take advantage of such promotions, the key steps are to verify current offers directly with businesses, prepare acceptable identification, and call ahead to ensure participation. Although these specific offers were for the 2017 holiday, the pattern of Veterans Day promotions continues annually, making it a valuable time for veterans and military families to enjoy free meals and discounts.