Veterans Day Freebies and Community Events in Jacksonville, North Carolina

Veterans Day in Jacksonville, North Carolina, offers a variety of free opportunities, community events, and discounts designed to honor military service members. The city’s Veterans Tribute NC program organizes activities from November 1 through November 11, including the annual Veterans Day Parade, family events at the Jacksonville Commons, and self-guided tours of Lejeune Memorial Gardens. The observance also includes Operation Green Light, during which the city provides free green lightbulbs for residents and businesses to display in support of veterans.

In addition to local events, national retailers and restaurants offer Veterans Day deals and discounts. These promotions typically require valid military identification and are available for dine-in or in-store purchases unless otherwise specified. While many offers are confirmed by official brand announcements or verified promotional pages, some details may vary by location or franchise.

Local Jacksonville Events and Activities

Jacksonville’s Veterans Tribute NC provides a schedule of events honoring veterans over an 11-day period. Key activities include:

Veterans Day Parade: Hosted by Rolling Thunder Inc. Chapter NC-5, the parade begins Saturday, November 8, at 11 a.m. in front of Coastal Carolina Community College and proceeds along Western Boulevard to Liberty Drive.
Disabled American Veterans Observance: Scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. at 300 Sherwood Road.
Military Basketball Association Tournament: Held November 9–11 at the Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex, 100 Recreation Lane. The tournament benefits Onslow/Jacksonville charities.
Operation Green Light: The city distributes free green lightbulbs at events leading up to November 11 and at Jacksonville City Hall. Residents and businesses are encouraged to shine a green light to show support for veterans.
Veterans Walk of Honor: Located at 109 Montford Landing Road, this exhibit features signs honoring veterans. Submissions are accepted year-round, with a deadline of October 24, 2025, for inclusion in the 2025 display.
Lejeune Memorial Gardens Self-Guided Tours: Visitors can scan QR codes to learn about military heritage, including the 3-D Eagle, Globe, and Anchor Statue, the Montford Point Marine Memorial, and the second-largest Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the United States.

For more information, visitors are directed to the city’s Veterans Tribute website.

Veterans Support Services in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Vet Center offers confidential, non-medical counseling and support services for veterans, service members, and their families at no cost. Services include counseling for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST), couples and family counseling, and recreational activities such as a mindful walking group that meets every Thursday. The center is located at 221 Memorial Drive and operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a 24/7 after-hours call center available.

National Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies

Several national retailers and restaurants offer Veterans Day discounts and free products. Offers vary by location and may require proof of military service. The following deals have been reported by verified sources:

Restaurant Offers

Buffalo Wild Wings: Free boneless wings and fries on November 11 for veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID. Available for dine-in or walk-in only.
Texas Roadhouse: Free meal voucher on November 11, redeemable in-restaurant or for carry-out through May 30, 2026, at participating locations.
Chipotle: Buy-one entrée, get-one free on November 11 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time for guests presenting a valid military ID.
Subway: Free six-inch sub for veterans on Veterans Day. Availability may vary by franchise.
Outback Steakhouse: 10% year-round military discount and free food on Veterans Day, dine-in only.
Applebee’s: Free meal from a limited menu and a $5 bounce-back gift card for a second visit, dine-in only.
Chili’s: Free meal, dine-in only.
Starbucks: Free “Tall” hot or cold brew coffee.
Dunkin’: Free donut.
IHOP: Free red, white, and blue pancakes.
Sonic: Half-priced shakes.
Wendy’s: Free breakfast combo.
Zaxby’s: Free sandwich meal.

Retail and Service Discounts

Target: 10% military discount through November 11 for active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families. Valid on two separate transactions in-store or online.
Army & Air Force Exchange Service: 10 cents off per gallon of gas at fuel locations.
Advance Auto Parts: 10% off products in-store.
Apple: 10% off select products.
Bed Bath & Beyond: 25% off select products.
Foot Locker: 10% off select products.
Walgreens: 20% off select products in-store only.
Sports Clips: Free haircut.
Great Clips: Free haircut.

Cultural and Attractions Discounts

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (Nashville): Free museum admission on Veterans Day for active-duty and retired armed services members, plus free admission for up to three immediate family members.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon, Va.): Free admission for active-duty, former, or retired military personnel on Veterans Day. Free tickets available upon arrival; not extendable to family or guests.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: Complimentary general admission for active and retired veterans on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Harley-Davidson Museum (Milwaukee): Free admission for veterans and active-duty military, plus one adult guest and up to four children, on Tuesday, November 11.
Colonial Williamsburg: Free admission for military visitors on Veterans Day.

Many of these offers are confirmed by official brand announcements or verified promotional pages. However, franchise-based offers (e.g., Subway) may not be available at all locations. Consumers are advised to confirm participation with local establishments before visiting.