Veterans Day is a significant occasion in the United States dedicated to honoring military veterans, and many businesses extend complimentary offers and discounts as a gesture of gratitude. These promotions typically become available on or around November 11th each year, covering a wide range of categories including dining, automotive services, retail, and entertainment. Based on the provided documentation, which includes information from sources such as Operation We Are Here, VA Claims Insider, and official news releases, this guide outlines the types of freebies and deals generally available to veterans and active-duty military personnel. It is important to note that offer details often vary by location and year, and many specific 2024 or 2025 promotions are subject to confirmation by individual brands and franchise operators.
Free Restaurant Meals and Dining Offers
Dining establishments are among the most prominent participants in Veterans Day promotions, frequently offering free entrees, meals, or beverages to veterans and active-duty service members. These offers typically require proof of military service, such as a military ID, VA card, or DD214 form, and are often valid for dine-in service only, though some may extend to takeout or have specific redemption windows.
Applebees is noted for offering a free entree from a special menu to all veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day. Aspen Creek Grill provides a $15 meal voucher to veterans and active-duty personnel during a specific timeframe in November, typically from the 10th to the 12th, between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Biggby Coffee extends a complimentary 16oz latte (hot, iced, or frozen) to veterans and active-duty service members on November 11th.
Other dining options mentioned include Domino C-Stores, which offers a free drink to veterans and active-duty military with a valid ID; District Doughnut in Washington, D.C., providing a free hot coffee and a 15% discount on other products; and Fired Pie, which offers a free entree to service members in uniform and veterans with valid military ID. Hot Table Panini provides a free medium panini when a military or veterans ID is presented. Hutch’s offers a free hot or cold fountain drink to each veteran. Ker’s WingHouse Bar and Grill provides a free meal from a select menu for veterans and service members. Old Texas Brewery offers a free meal from a select menu and a custom challenge coin for veterans and active military. Olive Garden provides a free entree from a select Veterans Day menu, often accompanied by unlimited soup or salad.
On the Border is likely to offer a free Choose 2 Combo Meal, consistent with previous years. Outback Steakhouse offers a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage, plus discounts on meals; they also provide a 10% Heroes Discount daily for veterans, servicemembers, and first responders. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille offers two exclusive dine-in offers available from 4:00 p.m. to close on Veterans Day. One option is a complimentary Perry’s Dinner-Cut Pork Chop for each veteran accompanied by one guest who purchases a full-priced dinner entrée; veterans dining alone or with other veterans receive a half-price discount. Alternatively, Perry’s offers a specially crafted 3-Course Military Menu for $39. Additionally, a promotion mentions that veterans visiting a specific location will receive a dozen tamales and a 32-ounce drink or coffee for free.
Automotive Services and Car Washes
Automotive maintenance and cleaning services are another category where veterans can find free or discounted offers on Veterans Day. These deals often require proof of service and may be available at participating locations nationwide.
Grace for Vets Car Wash Program offers free car washes at thousands of locations across the country. Meineke provides free oil changes at select locations. Jiffy Lube typically offers a 50% discount on oil changes on Veterans Day, along with a year-round 15% military discount that varies by location. Valvoline Instant Oil Change usually offers a free oil change on Veterans Day and also provides a 15% military discount year-round.
Entertainment, Attractions, and National Parks
Admission to various entertainment venues, including amusement parks, zoos, aquariums, and historical sites, is frequently free or discounted for veterans and active-duty military personnel, especially during Veterans Day weekend. The National Park Service also participates by waiving entrance fees at most of its day-use recreation sites over the Veterans Day holiday weekend.
Specific attractions mentioned include the Cincinnati Zoo, which offers free admission for veterans on the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day, along with discounted tickets for family. Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia offers free admission during Veterans Day weekend (Friday through Tuesday) to active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen, and their immediate dependents. The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta provides free admission for active military and veterans, plus a 30% discount in the gift shop on November 10-11 and other "Military Mondays."
Knott’s Berry Farm in California offers discounted tickets for veterans, military members, and their families during Military Tribute Days, which typically occur in November and December. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, WA, offers free admission for U.S. military veterans and active-duty members during Veterans’ Appreciation Days (Nov. 8-11) and half-off general admission for immediate family members. The San Antonio Zoo in Texas offers free admission during the entire month of November for active duty, retired, and veteran members of the military, with 50% off for up to four family members. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago provides free admission for veterans and service members on Veterans Day. Six Flags offers free admission for veterans and discounted tickets for family, though details vary by location. The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, CA, typically offers a 30% discount on tickets from November 1 through December 31, with year-round discounts also available.
SeaWorld parks, including locations in Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego, as well as Busch Gardens locations and Sesame Place, are mentioned as participating in a Veterans promotion. However, this program does not include Discovery Cove in Orlando or Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark. The National Park Service offers free annual and lifetime passes to current U.S. military and dependents, Gold Star families, and U.S. military veterans.
Grooming and Personal Services
Personal care services, such as haircuts, are also available to veterans on Veterans Day. Great Clips offers a free haircut on Veterans Day, or veterans can redeem a haircut card for a later date. Local barber shops and salons may also offer free or discounted haircuts or other services; it is recommended to check websites, social media pages, or call ahead to verify participation.
Retail and Other Freebies
Various retailers and service providers offer discounts and free products. bb.q Chicken offers 25% off to all U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID on November 11th, in-store only at participating locations. Fox Nation provides a free year of the streaming service to active military and veterans, described as a limited-time offer. Brides Across America hosts a nationwide event in November where brides can receive a free wedding gown; all brides must pre-register online.
The National Park Service offers free admission to all visitors on Veterans Day, as previously noted, and also provides free annual and lifetime passes to eligible military members, veterans, and Gold Star families.
Important Considerations for Veterans Day Offers
When seeking Veterans Day freebies and discounts, consumers should be aware of several key factors. First, offers are often confirmed only shortly before the holiday, and the provided documentation indicates that many deals for 2024 and 2025 are pending official verification from corporate partners and franchise locations. It is strongly recommended to call ahead to local participating restaurants and establishments to confirm their involvement, as participation can vary by location.
Second, proof of military service is almost always required. Veterans should bring a valid military or veteran ID, such as a VA card, DD214, or a state-issued veteran designation. Some offers may be restricted to specific types of service members (e.g., active duty, veterans, Guard, Reserve) or may extend to spouses or dependents; details on eligibility are typically provided with each specific offer.
Finally, redemption windows and rules vary. Some offers are valid only on Veterans Day (November 11), while others may span a weekend or several days. Some are dine-in only, while others may offer takeout options. Understanding these details helps ensure a smooth experience when redeeming offers.
Conclusion
Veterans Day provides a valuable opportunity for businesses to show appreciation for military service through a variety of freebies and discounts. The offerings span multiple categories, including free meals at restaurants like Applebees and Olive Garden, complimentary services such as haircuts from Great Clips and car washes from Grace for Vets, and free or discounted admission to attractions like zoos, aquariums, and National Parks. While the provided sources list numerous potential offers, it is essential for veterans and active-duty personnel to verify specific details, including participation, required proof of service, and redemption procedures, directly with the participating locations or official brand websites prior to visiting. The documentation highlights that many deals are actively being updated and confirmed for upcoming years, making it prudent to consult the most current information as Veterans Day approaches.