Veterans Day offers a significant opportunity for military members and veterans to access a wide range of complimentary meals, discounts, and free products. Businesses across the United States participate in this tradition to honor those who have served. The offers detailed below are derived from reports regarding Veterans Day 2024 and 2025 promotions. It is essential to note that availability often depends on specific participating locations, valid military identification, and adherence to stated terms and conditions.
Food and Dining Offers
A substantial portion of Veterans Day freebies focuses on food and dining. Various restaurant chains provide complimentary meals or specific menu items to active-duty military personnel and veterans.
Major Restaurant Chains
Several national chains have been reported to offer free meals on Veterans Day. These include: * Applebee’s: Veterans dining in can enjoy one free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu. * Bob Evans: Complimentary meals are available for veterans and active-duty military members. * Buffalo Wild Wings: Diners with valid military ID can receive a free order of 10 boneless wings and regular fries for dine-in or walk-in orders. * Chili's: All veterans and active military members are eligible for a free meal. * IHOP: The offer includes a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo, which consists of pancakes, eggs, hash browns, and bacon or sausage. * Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty service members can get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger. This offer is valid for dine-in only. * Wienerschnitzel: Participants can receive a free chili dog, fries, and a small soda.
Fast Food and Quick Service
- Chipotle: A buy-one entrée, get-one-free deal is available for military members from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a valid ID.
- Dunkin’ Donuts: Free donuts are offered to all active and retired military members.
- Arby’s: Free classic roast beef sandwiches are available for veterans and active duty personnel.
- Subway: In previous years, military veterans with a valid ID were offered a free six-inch sub at select locations.
Casual and Regional Dining
- Firehouse Subs: Veterans and active-duty military can visit any location for a free combo, including a medium sub, chips or a cookie, and a drink.
- Hurricane Grill & Wings: A complimentary entrée from a select menu is available. Options include 10 Bone-In Wings, Yuengling Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Steakburger, Chicken Caesar Salad, Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich, or Chicken BLT Tacos. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations.
- Red Lobster: Veterans and active military members can get an order of Walt’s Favourite Shrimp.
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans with a military ID can get a free Bloomin’ Onion and non-alcoholic beverage.
- BJs Restaurant Brewhouse: Military and veterans with a valid ID are offered a free entrée up to $14.95 and a free Dr. Pepper beverage.
- TGI Fridays: Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free lunch item from a limited menu, available from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Manhattan Bagel Company: Active, former, and retired military personnel with valid identification can enjoy a free bagel and cream cheese.
- Houlihan’s: Both active-duty and veterans receive a free and complimentary meal.
- Another Broken Egg: Offering Patriot Toast and coffee free to those who served or are serving.
- Chicken Salad Chick: Offering a free meal to vets and active-duty military.
- Mountain Mike’s Pizza: Veterans and active military can get free Garlic Sticks with a purchase of $25 or more via the Mountain Rewards app or with code VT25.
- Round Table Pizza: Customers can get 15% off orders with the promo code RTP321.
- Bandanas BBQ Restaurant: Veterans and active duty military are offered a free meal.
Coffee and Beverages
- Starbucks: Veterans, active-duty military, and military spouses can get a free tall coffee, hot or iced.
- Duck Donuts: All veterans and active military members with a valid ID or VIC card can receive a free medium hot coffee or cold brew, no purchase necessary, in-shop only.
- 7 Brew: Military men, women, and veterans can get discounts on coffees.
Convenience and Retail Food
- Sheetz: The chain offers a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink. Additionally, Sheetz provides $9 car washes to veterans and active-duty military for free with military ID or proof of service.
- Insomnia Cookies: Offers are available from November 1.
Retail, Services, and Miscellaneous Freebies
Beyond dining, numerous businesses offer discounts on services, retail products, and experiences.
Automotive and Car Care
- AutoNation: 20% discount on all services in-store and via AutoNation Mobile Service from November 11 – 16.
- Delta Sonic: Veterans and active duty service members save $30 on any oil change in November.
- Garber Dealerships: Local Veterans and active duty service members can receive free oil changes on November 9.
- Goodyear Auto Service: Offering free tire, brake, battery and fluid checks, plus 10% off tires.
- Autobell: Free Ride-Thru Exterior car wash or equivalent credit on November 11.
- Great Clips: Vets or active duty can get a free haircut, or a card for a future haircut.
Travel and Lodging
- Amtrak: Daily offer of 10% military discount on the lowest available ticket for most trains.
- Arizona State Parks and Trails: Veterans, active-duty military, and Guardsmen’s day-use fees are waived on November 11.
- California State Parks: Free admission for veterans, active-duty service members, Reservists, and their families to California’s 142 state parks on November 11.
- Akron Zoo: From November 7 to November 11, veterans receive free admission, and immediate family members receive a 50% discount.
- Belmont Park: Free park admission for active-duty military, veterans, and Guardsmen on November 11.
- B&Bs for Vets: Participating independent bed and breakfasts across the nation offer discounts, including free nights and buy-one-get-one-night offers.
- Armed Forces Vacation Club: $299 Resort Vacation Certificates ($100 off) until 11/21/2024.
- Aquarium of the Pacific: Free ticket for veterans and current service members on November 11 with advance registration.
Health, Wellness, and Retail
- 4Patriots: Offering a free $29 72-Hour Survival Food Kit on November 11. Veterans and service members must register on the 4Patriots Veterans Day Celebration Event page on November 11 only.
- Army & Air Force Exchange: Free commemorative challenge coins for veterans on November 11.
- Freddy’s: Offering a combo meal gift card that can be used anytime until the end of the year.
- The Stand: Veterans and active-duty military with military ID receive a 30% discount on Veterans Day.
- AARP: Special membership offers available.
Digital and Entertainment
- Apple Watch Activity Tracker: Free Veterans Day activity badge and animated stickers for use in the Messages app for any recorded workout lasting 11 minutes or longer on November 11.
Important Considerations for Redemption
When seeking these freebies and discounts, consumers should be aware of several key factors:
- Identification: Most offers require proof of military service. This typically includes a valid Military ID, VA card, or wearing a military uniform. Some merchants may accept other forms of verification, such as a driver’s license with a veteran designation, though this varies by location.
- Participating Locations: Many of these offers are valid only at participating locations. It is highly recommended to call ahead or check the specific restaurant or business website to confirm participation before traveling.
- Dine-In vs. Carry-Out: Many restaurant offers, particularly free meals, are restricted to dine-in service only.
- Time Restrictions: Some offers are limited to specific hours, such as the Chipotle offer from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. or the TGI Fridays offer from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Purchase Requirements: While many offers are "no purchase necessary," some, like the Mountain Mike’s Pizza offer, require a minimum purchase to receive the free item.
- Registration: Certain offers, such as the 4Patriots food kit or the Aquarium of the Pacific ticket, require advance online registration.
Conclusion
Veterans Day serves as a significant period for businesses to extend gratitude to military members and veterans through various complimentary offers and discounts. The available deals span a wide range of categories, including dining, automotive services, travel, and retail. To maximize these opportunities, individuals should verify participation with local establishments, ensure they have the necessary identification, and review any specific terms regarding time limits or purchase requirements.