Veterans Day 2025 offers a significant number of freebies and discounts for U.S. veterans and active-duty military members, primarily focused on complimentary meals and food-related promotions. These offers are provided by national chains and local businesses as a gesture of appreciation for military service. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 16 million veterans and 1.3 million active-duty service members in the country. For many, these Veterans Day perks serve as both a symbolic gesture of gratitude and a practical way to help with household budgets, especially given current food costs which remain higher than pre-pandemic levels based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Most participating brands require proof of military service to redeem these offers. The availability of these freebies is often limited to specific dates, times, and participating locations, with many offers valid only on November 11, 2025. Consumers are advised to verify details directly with individual brands before visiting.
Veterans Day 2025: Free Meal Offers and Participating Brands
Numerous national restaurant chains have announced free meal offers for Veterans Day 2025. These promotions are generally available to veterans and active-duty military personnel who present valid identification. The following offers have been verified through brand announcements and news reports for November 11, 2025, unless otherwise noted.
Pizza and Casual Dining Chains
- Little Caesars: Offering a free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo on Tuesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The combo includes four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. This offer is for veterans and active military members.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Providing 10 free Boneless Wings and Fries with valid ID. This offer is available for dine-in and walk-in orders at participating locations on Veterans Day.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. Participants can choose one entrée from a special Veterans Day menu. The offer is valid for dine-in only.
- Chili’s: Offering a free Veterans Day meal to all veterans and active military members on November 11, 2025, at participating restaurants. The meal is available in-restaurant only and includes select items.
- O’Charley’s: Providing veterans and active-duty military with a free entrée from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both November 10 and November 11. Entrée options include Salisbury steak, shrimp scampi, and more. Participants will also receive a $5 reward card for their next visit.
- Olive Garden: Offering a free entrée from a special menu to veterans and current military members who dine with them on November 11. Proof of military service is requested.
Other Restaurant and Food Service Offers
- Logan’s Roadhouse: Active-duty military and veterans can enjoy one free meal from the Veterans Day menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11.
- Mission BBQ: Offering a free sandwich to veterans on Veterans Day. The brand invites participants to join them at noon for the live National Anthem.
- Chicken Salad Chick: Providing a free meal with one side and drink to veterans and active military on Tuesday, November 11. The offer is valid in-restaurant or via drive-thru only and is not valid on online or delivery orders. A military ID or DD214 is required. The offer is valid at all locations.
- Chipotle: The military community can enjoy any entrée and get a second entrée for free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11. This offer is available at restaurants across the U.S. for guests with a valid military ID.
- Ojos Locos Sports Cantina: Offering 20% off all food items for veterans and active-duty military. This discount is valid at all locations.
Proof of Service and Redemption Requirements
To redeem Veterans Day freebies, veterans and active-duty military members typically need to present specific forms of identification. Brands generally accept one or more of the following documents:
- Military or retiree ID
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- Veteran ID Card
- State driver’s license with a veteran designation
- Copy of a DD214
Some brands utilize digital authentication services such as ID.me or SheerID to verify eligibility. In addition to identification, consumers should be aware of common terms and conditions associated with these offers:
- Participation: Offers are valid only at participating locations. Not all locations of a chain may participate.
- Timing: Many offers are limited to specific hours on Veterans Day, such as lunch or early afternoon.
- Dine-In vs. To-Go: Some offers are dine-in only, while others may allow for walk-in or drive-thru orders. Online orders and delivery are typically excluded.
- Item Limits: Free entrée offers often have price caps, and beverages are usually not included unless specified. Offers are generally limited to one item per person.
- Gratuity: Tips and gratuity are not covered by the free meal offers.
Consumers are advised to call ahead or check brand websites for specific details on participation, timing, and terms before visiting.
Educational Resources on Natural Disasters
While the primary focus of Veterans Day freebies is on food and services, the provided source material also references educational resources related to natural disasters, specifically tsunamis. These resources are intended for teachers, parents, and students and are available through various online platforms.
Tsunami Awareness and Educational Materials
- World Tsunami Awareness Day: Observed on November 5, this day aims to spread awareness about the dangers of tsunamis and the importance of early warning signs. Educational activities often focus on the causes of tsunamis, which are typically underwater earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions.
- Reading Passages and Comprehension: Free resources are available that include reading passages about tsunamis and other natural disasters. These materials are often designed for fluency practice, comprehension checks, and close reading activities. Some resources include full-color versions for phrasing and print-friendly versions.
- Safety Plan Guides: Comprehensive guides are available to help classrooms and families prepare for natural disasters, including tsunamis. These guides often include reading passages, multiple-choice questions, and project activities.
- Hands-On Activities: Educational resources include activities such as building tsunami-resistant boats, which allow students to collaborate and apply engineering constraints. Other activities include fact card games, anticipation guides, and group discussions about disaster formation and characteristics.
- Geography and Risk: Worksheets are available that explore the geography of risk and resilience, focusing on regions like Thailand. These resources examine how natural hazards such as monsoon floods and tsunamis affect infrastructure and development.
Accessing Free Educational Resources
Many of these educational materials are available for free through online platforms such as Teachers Pay Teachers and homeschool resource websites. Users can search for terms like "tsunami reading passage" or "tsunami activity" to find specific resources. Some resources are offered as free downloads, while others may be part of a larger paid product or include affiliate links.
When using educational materials about natural disasters, it is important to be mindful of the sensitive nature of the content. Video footage and detailed descriptions of events like tsunamis can be disturbing, especially for younger audiences. Parents and educators are encouraged to preview materials and provide appropriate context.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 presents a wide array of free meal offers from national restaurant chains for veterans and active-duty military members. These offers require proof of military service and are subject to specific terms, including participation limits, time restrictions, and dine-in requirements. Consumers should verify details directly with brands before visiting. In addition to Veterans Day promotions, the provided source material highlights a variety of free educational resources focused on tsunami awareness and natural disaster preparedness, available for teachers and parents through online platforms.