Memorial Day and Veterans Day are significant occasions in the United States, dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of military personnel. For veterans and active-duty service members in Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas, these holidays often bring opportunities for free meals, discounted admissions, and community ceremonies. Based on the provided source materials, this article details specific freebies, discounts, and events available to veterans, with a focus on the local Virginia Beach context and broader national offers. All information is derived exclusively from the referenced sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Virginia Beach Memorial Day Ceremony
The City of Virginia Beach hosts an annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor those who have served and sacrificed. The event is organized by the Virginia Beach Mayor’s Committee for Veterans and is free and open to the public.
The ceremony takes place on Monday, May 26, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial, located across from the Virginia Beach Convention Center at 1000 19th St. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be relocated inside the Convention Center. Hosted by Mayor Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer and the Mayor’s Committee for Veterans, the ceremony includes live music, a reading of honored veteran names, and remarks from distinguished guests. Attendees receive small U.S. flags upon arrival, and larger flags are available for placing by the memorial. Military commands and organizations are invited to bring wreaths on behalf of their groups.
The event features the Virginia Beach Police Department’s Honor Guard Unit - Rifle Team and Color Guard, as well as music by the U.S. Air Force Heritage Winds and Tony Zontini. The keynote address will be delivered by Rear Adm. Julie M. Treanor, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. The Mayor’s Committee for Veterans manages the memorial paver program and collaborates with the Hampton Roads Council of Veterans Organizations to plan the Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. For more information about the committee, contact Virgil Hart at [email protected] or visit VirginiaBeach.gov/MCV to order a memorial paver.
Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts
Veterans Day, observed on November 11, features numerous freebies and discounts for veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers span food, entertainment, and other services, available both nationally and in local Virginia areas. The following list is compiled from verified reports of participating businesses.
Food and Dining Offers
Many restaurants provide free meals or discounts to veterans on Veterans Day. Participation may vary by location, and valid military identification is typically required.
- Applebee's: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a select menu.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Six free boneless wings and fries with a valid ID at participating locations.
- Chili's: Free meal at participating restaurants.
- Chipotle: Buy one entrée and get a second one free from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Circle K: Free hot or iced medium coffee.
- Cracker Barrel: Free Sunrise Pancake Breakfast.
- Denny's: Free Original Grand Slam from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Dunkin' Donuts: Veterans receive a free donut while supplies last, in-store only.
- Firehouse Subs: Buy any size sub and get a second one free.
- Golden Corral: Free dinner buffet and beverage from 4:00 p.m. to close.
- IHOP: Free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo as part of 'Heroes Eat Free'.
- Insomnia Cookies: Free deluxe cookie with a $5 purchase from November 8 to 11, with a valid military ID; available in-store only.
- Little Caesars: Complimentary lunch combo including four slices of signature Detroit-style deep dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Logan's Roadhouse: Free meal from a select menu starting at 11:00 a.m.
Additionally, some businesses offer year-round discounts. For example, Bob Evans generally provides a 10% discount for active, veteran, and retired military personnel every day, though Memorial Day specials were unclear for 2023. 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 and certain Dairy Queen locations also provide varying discounts at participating eateries.
Entertainment and Admission Discounts
Several attractions and venues offer free or discounted admission to veterans and active-duty military members, particularly around Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
- Colonial Williamsburg: Active-duty military, retired military personnel, and veterans receive free admission for themselves and up to three direct dependents on either Memorial Day Weekend or Veterans Day Weekend (once annually). Proof of service is required at the ticket office.
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: Members of the Veterans Advantage rewards program receive free regular adult admission by showing their VetRewards card; family member tickets are discounted by 20%.
- Magic Springs Theme and Water Park: Free admission for military, police, correction officers, healthcare workers, and other heroes from May 27 through June 11 (HERO Appreciation Days) with professional ID. Family members can purchase discounted tickets for $36.99.
- Museums: Through Blue Star Families and the National Endowment for the Arts, many museums across America offer free admission for active-duty military members and their families during the summer.
- Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (Tacoma, WA): Free admission for U.S. military veterans and active-duty members during Veterans’ Appreciation Days, November 8-11. Half-off general admission for immediate family members.
- San Antonio Zoo (Texas): Free admission during November for active duty, retired, and veteran military members; 50% off for up to four family members.
- Shedd Aquarium (Chicago): Free admission for veterans and service members on Veterans Day.
- Six Flags (nationwide): Free admission for veterans, with discounted tickets for family; details vary by location.
- Winchester Mystery House (San Jose, CA): Usually offers a 30% discount on tickets from November 1 to December 31, with year-round discounts available.
National Parks offer free admission to all visitors on Veterans Day. The National Park Service also provides free annual and lifetime passes to current U.S. military members and dependents, Gold Star families, and U.S. military veterans.
Other Offers
Waves of Honor provides free or discounted admission to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, and Discovery Cove locations for military personnel; details are available on their website. The organization Carry the Load organizes a 20,000-mile relay march that includes stops at VA national cemeteries, raising awareness for military sacrifices. Those unable to attend events in person can honor fallen service members by leaving tributes on the Veterans Legacy Memorial site, which features stories, decorations, and internment locations for approximately 4.5 million Veterans.
Retailers such as Walgreens often provide special Memorial Day discounts, though specific offers may change and are updated frequently.
Considerations for Veterans
When seeking freebies and discounts, veterans should be prepared to present valid military identification or other proof of service, such as a VA card or discharge papers. Offers are typically available only on the specified holiday or during designated periods, and participation may vary by location. It is advisable to confirm details with individual businesses or venues before visiting, as terms and availability can change.
For Virginia Beach residents, the annual Memorial Day ceremony serves as a key community event, while Veterans Day brings a broader range of commercial freebies. The Mayor’s Committee for Veterans remains a resource for local veterans seeking information on ceremonies and memorial programs.
Conclusion
Memorial Day and Veterans Day provide meaningful opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to access free meals, discounted admissions, and participate in community honors. In Virginia Beach, the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial offers a formal tribute with music, speeches, and flag placements. Nationally, numerous restaurants and attractions extend freebies and discounts to show appreciation for service members. Veterans are encouraged to verify offer details with participating businesses and utilize resources like the Veterans Legacy Memorial site to honor fallen comrades. These initiatives reflect a broader societal commitment to recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of the U.S. military community.