The provided source material details various freebies and discounts offered for specific observance days, primarily Veterans Day and Law Enforcement Day, with a focus on 2019 and surrounding years. These offers typically require proof of service or employment status, such as a military ID, badge, or department identification. The programs span multiple categories, including food and beverage, automotive services, and event admissions, targeting active-duty personnel, veterans, and law enforcement officers.
Veterans Day Free Meals and Discounts
Veterans Day, observed on November 11, honors active military personnel and veterans. Various businesses have historically offered free meals, food items, and discounts to show appreciation. Participation varies by location, and proof of military service is generally required.
Early Bird Offers
Several restaurants provide deals starting a few days before Veterans Day. For the period surrounding November 2019, specific offers included: - bartaco: 20% off from November 9 through November 11. - Carrabba's Italian Grill: A free order of calamari with any purchase from November 8 through November 11, plus a 10% discount on any visit during that period. - Flying J: A free hot beverage and breakfast item available via a special offer in the app from November 8 through November 11. - Fogo de Chão: 50% off meals for veterans and active-duty personnel from November 8 through November 11. Additionally, up to three guests received a 10% discount at all U.S. locations.
General Restaurant Freebies
Other restaurants that offered Veterans Day deals or freebies in 2024 (indicating recurring annual programs) include: - BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse - Carrabba’s - Cicis Pizza - Metro Diner - O’Charley’s - Old North State Food Hall - Panera Bread - Red Lobster - Sonic Drive-In
To receive these freebies, customers typically notify the crew member at the register or show a VetRewards Card. Some locations do not require a military ID, but verification policies may vary.
Grocery and Retail Discounts
Food Lion offered a 10% discount at all stores for U.S. active-duty military personnel and veterans in 2024. To receive the discount, customers presented their MVP card and military identification at checkout. This offer was valid in-store only and excluded alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery, pharmacy, postage stamps, and services. It did not apply to Food Lion To Go pick-up or home delivery.
Other businesses that offered deals or freebies in 2024 included Staples and True Rest Float Spa, though specific details on these offers were not provided in the source material.
Veterans Day Events
Community events often provide free admission or meals: - Zebulon Veterans Day Celebration: Hosted by the Town of Zebulon and Zebulon Rotary Club on November 5, 2025, at 10 a.m. on the front lawn of Zebulon Town Hall. Registration was required by October 25, 2025. - Lunch for the Brave in Cary: The Town of Cary honored veterans with a free catered lunch and preservation event on November 7, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Prestonwood Country Club.
Transportation and Service Freebies
New Hope Valley Railway offered free train rides to military service members for Veterans Day. Rides were scheduled for Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 1 p.m., and Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Tickets were free upon request at the Ticket Office, but a military ID or copy of DD214 was required. Guests paid regular price.
Autobell Car Wash offered a free Ride-Thru Exterior wash (or equivalent credit toward another wash option) to U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. This offer was valid at all Autobell locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. No coupon, barcode, or ID was required.
Law Enforcement Day Freebies
Law Enforcement Day honors active and retired law enforcement and corrections personnel. Free admission and discounts are often available upon presentation of a badge or department ID.
Event Admission
New York State Fair: On Law Enforcement Day (August 25, 2019, and potentially recurring), active or retired law enforcement or corrections personnel received free admission by presenting a badge or picture ID from their department. The fair also held ceremonies honoring law enforcement at noon and a parade at 6 p.m.
Attractions and Activities
Fritz’s Adventure: Offered complimentary admission to all Law Enforcement Officers and one guest from June 14, 2025, through June 22, 2025. The free ticket provided access to all activities and was available upon arrival. Verification required a department ID, badge, or similar documentation.
Branson Ducks: 25% off with Law Enforcement ID.
PINK Jeep Tours: Free for Law Enforcement with ID.
Sight & Sound Theater: During the week of June 14–21, 2025, offered a Law Enforcement Discount of 30% off up to 6 tickets. Reservations could be made by phone or at the box office.
Snowflex At Branson Zipline: Free for officers; family members paid $15 per person.
First Responders Day
National First Responders Day is observed on October 28. In 2019, a local business in Amarillo, Texas, provided free lunches to first responders. - Merritt Vaughn State Farm: Provided 300 hamburgers and side dishes for first responders, including EMS, fire department, and law enforcement.
Conclusion
The provided sources outline a range of freebies and discounts available for Veterans Day and Law Enforcement Day in 2019 and projected for 2025. These offers primarily target active-duty military, veterans, and law enforcement personnel, requiring proof of service or employment. Offers include free meals, car washes, train rides, grocery discounts, and event admissions. Participation varies by location and year, and consumers are advised to verify current details with specific businesses or event organizers.