Memorial Day and Veterans Day represent significant occasions in the United States for honoring military service members, both active and veteran. During these periods, numerous businesses across various sectors offer complimentary products, services, and discounts as a gesture of appreciation. These offers span categories including dining, retail, entertainment, and recreation. The availability of these deals often requires specific verification methods, such as presenting military identification or membership in veteran organizations. This article details the freebies and discounts reported in available documentation, focusing on verified offers for Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
The types of freebies available typically fall into two major categories: food and beverage deals, and retail or service discounts. While some offers are available nationwide at participating locations, others are specific to certain regions or individual establishments. Eligibility generally extends to active duty personnel, reservists, retired veterans, and sometimes their immediate family members. Verification is a common requirement, with businesses requesting to see a Uniformed Services ID, DD214, or other proof of service.
Dining and Restaurant Freebies
Food and beverage offers are among the most prevalent freebies available during military appreciation holidays. These deals often include complimentary meals, discounted menu items, or "buy one, get one" promotions.
Memorial Day Dining Offers
For Memorial Day, several restaurant chains have historically offered specific deals. Bob Evans typically provides a 10% discount for active, veteran, and retired military personnel daily, though specific Memorial Day specials were unclear in the provided documentation. Café Rio offers a 25% discount nationwide to veterans from Tuesdays through Sundays with a military ID, with locations in Virginia and Maryland offering 50% off on Military Mondays. Cici’s Pizza offers military and veterans' discounts at participating locations, though the specific discount amount varies by restaurant.
Cracker Barrel has offered free sandwiches during Mission’s annual Armed Forces Week. Dairy Queen locations may offer military and veterans discounts, with some providing up to 50% off select items or orders. Pie Five Pizza has previously offered freebie deals for Memorial Day, though consumers are advised to check with local restaurants for current participation. Texas de Brazil offers a 15% discount off regular dinner and lunch prices for military members, veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers, valid for up to four guests per visit with valid ID. TGI Fridays offered 25% off all family meals and platters during the Memorial Day weekend. Wendy’s offers special coupon savings on patriotic holidays for members of Veterans Advantage, in addition to other year-round discounts.
Veterans Day Dining Offers
For Veterans Day, a wide array of dining options is available. Applebee’s offers veterans and active-duty military a free meal from a select menu, valid for dine-in only (beverage and gratuity not included). Acceptable proof of service includes a U.S. Uniformed Services ID or Retired ID card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (e.g., American Legion, VFW), DD214, or a photo in uniform.
Buffalo Wild Wings offers six free boneless wings and fries with a valid ID at participating locations. Chili’s provides a free meal at participating restaurants. Chipotle offers a "buy one entree, get a second one free" deal from 4 to 8 p.m. on Veterans Day. Circle K offers free hot or iced medium coffee. Cracker Barrel honors veterans and active-duty members with a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Breakfast when dining in. Denny’s offers a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Dunkin’ Donuts provides a free donut while supplies last, in-store only.
Firehouse Subs offers a "buy any size sub, get a second one free" deal. Golden Corral provides a free dinner buffet and beverage from 4 p.m. to close. IHOP offers a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo. Insomnia Cookies offers a free deluxe cookie with a $5 purchase from November 8 to 11, available in-store only with a valid military ID. Little Caesars Pizza offers a free Lunch Combo including four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., requiring proof of military service. Logan's Roadhouse offers a free meal from a select menu starting at 11 a.m. Additionally, Bubba’s 33 allows veterans to enjoy a free lunch until 4 p.m. or receive a voucher for a future visit, requiring a valid military ID.
Retail and Service Discounts
Retailers and service providers also participate in military appreciation by offering discounts on merchandise, gear, and recreational services. These discounts often extend beyond the holiday dates and may be available year-round.
Apparel and Gear
Academy Sports + Outdoors offers a 10% discount online and in stores to military members and first responders through July 4. Adidas provides 30% off at online and in-store locations for military personnel, veterans, first responders, teachers, medical professionals, and nurses, after verifying status. An additional 20% off is available at Adidas factory outlet stores. Alpha Industries offers 30% off for active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel, though exclusions apply. Armitron offers 10% off online purchases for active duty, veterans, and dependents; verification is done online to receive a single-use code via email for checkout.
Entertainment and Recreation
Several entertainment venues offer free admission or discounted tickets. Colonial Williamsburg offers free single-day admission for servicemembers, veterans, and up to three direct dependents over Memorial Day weekend or Veterans Day weekend, with discounted admission available throughout the year. Indianapolis Zoo offers free admission to current and former military members on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, plus $2 off general admission for up to two tickets per visit. Legoland parks in California, Florida, and New York offer special military deals on admission and hotel rooms. National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, offers free admission to veterans and active duty servicemembers May 24-27. United Parks and Resorts (including Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, and Sesame Place) offers free admission to servicemembers and veterans, valid for up to three guests, though programs vary by location. Vail Resorts offers a $185 Military Epic Pass for the 2025/2026 ski season for servicemembers, military retirees, and dependents.
Local and Miscellaneous Services
Local businesses often participate with unique service offers. The Barbershop hosts an annual veterans event offering free haircuts and services to armed forces members. Brown County Rifle Range offers free admission for veterans and free gun and archery sighting for veterans and active-duty military members. Cincinnati Zoo offers free admission to all military members (active or retired) on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day, plus up to six half-price admission tickets for immediate family. Cracker Barrel also offers a 25% discount on Duke Cannon products and certain military-themed merchandise online and in stores on Veterans Day.
Verification and Eligibility Requirements
Accessing these freebies and discounts typically requires verification of military status. The documentation required varies by business but generally includes one of the following:
- Military Identification: U.S. Uniformed Services ID or Retired ID card.
- Service Records: DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or citation/commendation.
- Pay Statements: Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES).
- Organization Membership: Cards from veterans organizations such as the American Legion or VFW.
- Visual Proof: Wearing a uniform or providing a photo of oneself in uniform.
- Third-Party Verification: Membership in programs like Veterans Advantage for specific deals (e.g., Wendy’s).
Some offers, such as the Adidas discount, require online verification through third-party services to generate a discount code. Others, like the Little Caesars Lunch Combo, require physical proof of service at the point of sale.
Conclusion
The availability of freebies and discounts for military members and veterans is extensive during Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The offers documented range from complimentary meals at major restaurant chains to free admission at zoos and theme parks, and significant retail discounts. While many offers are standardized, such as the free meal at Applebee’s, others vary by location or require specific verification steps. Consumers are advised to verify participation with local establishments and ensure they possess the necessary identification before attempting to redeem these offers. The documentation indicates that these appreciation efforts are recurring, with many businesses offering similar deals annually.