Veterans Day 2018, observed on Monday, November 12, brought a wide array of complimentary offers, services, and events to military personnel, veterans, and their families in the Reno and Sparks area of Nevada. These offerings ranged from free meals and beverages at local restaurants to no-cost services such as haircuts and oil changes, as well as free access to entertainment and transportation. The promotions were designed to honor the service and sacrifice of United States military members, with many businesses and organizations participating in the tradition of providing freebies and discounts.
The availability of these offers generally required valid proof of military service, such as a military ID or veteran’s identification. The scope of the promotions extended across various sectors, including dining, automotive care, personal services, and hospitality. In addition to commercial offers, several community events took place, including parades and ceremonies, which provided opportunities for public recognition and commemoration.
Restaurant and Dining Offers
A significant number of dining establishments in the Reno and Sparks region offered complimentary meals and special menu items for veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. These promotions were typically valid on November 11 or November 12, 2018, and most required proof of service.
- Applebee’s: Provided a free meal from a fixed menu on November 11.
- Atlantis Casino Resort Spa: Club members who were veterans or active military received a free breakfast or lunch buffet at Toucan Charlie's through November 9.
- BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse: Offered a free entrée up to $12.95 and a free Dr. Pepper beverage on November 11.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Participating locations offered free small wings and fries for dine-in customers on November 11.
- Carson Valley Inn: Located in Minden, hosted an eighth annual spaghetti lunch for veterans, active military, and one guest on November 11, starting at 11 a.m.
- Chili's: Provided a free meal on November 11.
- Chipotle: Offered a buy-one-get-one deal on November 11.
- Claim Jumper: Provided a complimentary meal from a special menu on November 12.
- Dunkin' Donuts: Offered a free doughnut at participating locations on November 11.
- Denny’s: Offered a free Build Your Own Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon on November 12.
- Eldorado Casino: The Buffet offered a free breakfast or lunch from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11.
- Famous Dave's: Offered a free meal on November 11.
- Harrah’s Reno: Offered a free buffet brunch or dinner. The Monday brunch buffet ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the dinner buffet was available from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Veterans and military members were required to show their military or veterans ID along with a Caesars Entertainment Total Rewards Card.
- Peppermill Reno: Offered one free breakfast or lunch buffet at Island Buffet from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Western Village: Provided one free pizza slice and one free soda at Primo from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
In addition to these specific restaurant offers, the Eldorado, Circus Circus, and Silver Legacy provided a free breakfast or lunch buffet at the Eldorado Buffet between 7:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. Starbucks locations at the Eldorado and Silver Legacy also offered a free 12 oz. coffee to veterans.
Automotive and Service Discounts
Several automotive service providers offered complimentary services to honor veterans.
- Jiffy Lube: Provided a free Value Oil Change Plus for all Active & Retired Service Members with a Military ID on November 12.
Personal Care Services
Businesses in the personal care sector participated by offering free services to military members.
- Great Clips: Salons in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Dayton, and Fernley offered free haircuts to all veterans on November 12.
Entertainment and Events
Various entertainment venues and community organizations hosted events or provided special access for veterans.
- Carson Nugget: Offered two free tickets for its Al Stewart concert on Saturday, November 10, at 9 p.m. to active duty service members and veterans. These tickets also granted access to a meet-and-greet with the performer at 8:30 p.m.
- Nevada State Museum: In Carson City, hosted a free special event on Saturday, November 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in honor of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. On Veterans Day itself, the museum held a "Bells of Peace" World War I commemoration at Loftin Park, featuring their replica of the Liberty Bell, with bell tolling beginning at 11 a.m. following an opening welcome program at 10:40 a.m.
- Virginia City: Held a Sunday Veterans Day Parade to salute veterans.
- Reno Veterans Day Parade: The City of Reno held a parade in downtown Reno on Sunday, November 11. The family-oriented parade began at the Virginia Street Bridge and proceeded down to the 5th St. and Virginia St. intersection. The 2018 theme was "The Great War," honoring Private First Class Darrell Melville Dunkle, the first Reno citizen to perish in World War I. Festivities included a C-130 fly-over by the Nevada Air Guard and a wreath placement by Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. Brigadier General Ondra Berry served as the Grand Marshal. The parade featured over 80 entries.
- Atlantis Casino and Resort: Welcomed over 50 Honor Flight Veterans between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 10. Activities included music, Quilts of Valor, Paws 4 Passengers therapy dogs, and a military salute.
- Veterans Guest House: Offered activities from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., including an Open House, a free barbeque, flu shots provided by Walgreens Pharmacy, and the Salute & Support Raffle.
- Grand Sierra Resort Buffet: Provided one free breakfast or lunch buffet.
Community and Charitable Initiatives
Several community-driven initiatives supported veterans and their families.
- Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada: Scouts from surrounding troops collected filled grocery donation bags on Saturday, November 10 (3:30 - 4:15 p.m. and 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.) and Sunday, November 11 (7:30 - 8:15 a.m., 9:30 - 10:15 a.m., and 4:30 - 5:15 p.m.).
- Nevada Humane Society: Offered free pet adoptions for members of the military and their immediate families at both the Reno shelter and the Carson City shelter, open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- RTC Transit Services: Provided free rides on Veterans Day, operating on a regular schedule.
Other Offers and Discounts
Additional national and local businesses offered discounts and freebies. Source data mentions a free dessert at Cracker Barrel, $40 wedding dresses at Brides Across America, and free haircuts. Specific local mentions for November 12 included a free breakfast or lunch buffet at the Grand Sierra Resort Buffet. The Peppermill Reno offered a free breakfast or lunch buffet at Island Buffet from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day. The Eldorado, Circus Circus, and Silver Legacy offered a free breakfast or lunch buffet at the Eldorado Buffet between 7:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Veterans Day.
Conclusion
The Reno and Sparks area demonstrated significant community and commercial support for veterans in 2018 through a diverse range of free offers and events. The promotions covered essential needs, entertainment, and dining, reflecting a broad-based effort to honor military service. Participation generally required proof of service, and offers were valid on specific dates around the Veterans Day holiday. The collective efforts of local businesses, casinos, and community organizations provided tangible benefits and recognition for veterans and active-duty personnel.