Various businesses and organizations across the United States honor veterans and active-duty military personnel through promotional offers, free meals, and special events. These initiatives typically occur around national holidays such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The following summary outlines specific offers, eligibility requirements, and event details derived from recent promotional data.
Veterans Day Food and Beverage Offers
Several restaurant chains offer complimentary meals and beverages to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day. These offers generally require proof of service, such as a military ID, and are valid at participating locations on November 11.
Starbucks Starbucks provides a free 12 oz hot or iced brewed coffee to veterans, military service members, and their spouses on November 11. The offer is valid in-café and via drive-thru only. In addition to the beverage offer, Starbucks has announced a donation of $200,000, shared evenly between the USO and the Wounded Warrior Project, to support veteran and military communities.
Wendy's Wendy's offers a free Breakfast Combo to veterans and active-duty military personnel during breakfast hours on Veterans Day. This offer is valid at participating locations.
Dunkin' Dunkin' provides a free doughnut to veterans and active military members. No purchase is required for in-store redemption.
TCBY TCBY offers free froyo (frozen yogurt) to veterans and active military personnel. The offer covers the first 6 oz and requires valid ID for redemption.
Torchy's Tacos Torchy's Tacos offers a free drink and a free taco to veterans and active military members with valid ID at all restaurant locations.
Texas Roadhouse Texas Roadhouse honors veterans and active military members with a free meal on Veterans Day.
Viva Chicken Viva Chicken serves veterans and active-duty military members year-round. Specific Veterans Day details were not fully expanded in the source data, but the brand confirms participation in military appreciation initiatives.
Applebee's For the 18th consecutive year, Applebee's is offering a complimentary meal to veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11.
Veterans Day Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond dining, various retailers and service providers offer discounts or free admission to military members.
SeaWorld San Diego Former military personnel and up to three guests receive one-time complimentary admission to SeaWorld San Diego. This offer is available for redemption through November 30, 2025. The offer includes one free admission for the service member and up to three guests. Veterans may also purchase up to six additional tickets at a 50% discount.
San Diego Automotive Museum All U.S. veterans receive free museum admission, plus free admission for up to five guests, throughout the month of November. A valid ID is required, and the veteran must be present.
Wild Wonders Wild Wonders offers $30 off a behind-the-scenes tour for all current U.S. military service members and veterans. To redeem, use code: MILITARY. This offer is valid through November 25.
Old Town Trolley Tours and Whaley House Museum Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and first responders receive free admission to Old Town Trolley Tours and Whaley House Museum Daytime Self-Guided Tours from November 9 to 11. A current ID card must be shown at any Old Town Trolley booth. Additionally, for each ticket sold on Veterans Day, $1 is donated to sponsor a puppy at Patriot Service Dogs, an organization that provides assistance dogs to veterans.
Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton, Ohio) On Veterans Day, the Pro Football Hall of Fame offers free admission to all U.S. servicemembers, National Guard members, and veterans, plus one guest. Admission is also free for Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Families. Attendees receive a free commemorative Veterans Day pin (while supplies last) and a 20% discount at the Hall of Fame Store. The event includes a Veterans Day Expo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring veteran-based services.
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello (Charlottesville, Va.) Monticello offers U.S. military veterans free admission for Veterans Day weekend, November 8–11, 2025. The offer applies to the Grounds Ticket or the Highlights Tour. It does not apply to special or after-hours tours and is based on availability.
Veterans Day Events and Ceremonies
Various communities host ceremonies and parades to honor veterans.
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial A special ceremony is scheduled for November 8 at 11 a.m. to celebrate the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
Escondido The 6th Annual Veterans Day Parade and VetFest takes place on November 11. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by VetFest at 11 a.m., featuring a veterans day ceremony, lunch, sponsor and military displays, and veteran services.
Poway VFW Post 7907 and the Poway Veterans Park Committee host a free Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Park.
San Diego A free Veterans Day Parade honors those who served past and present. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Harbor Dr., in front of the County Admin Building.
Memorial Day Promotional Offers
While the primary focus of the provided data is Veterans Day, several sources also detail food and beverage offers associated with Memorial Day.
Bad Daddy’s On May 26, customers can order a Bad Ass Margarita for $8 (limit two per person).
Bravo! Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille Both brands offer "kids eat free" promotions on Memorial Day.
Chef Merito TODAY.com readers can save 25% on specific Chef Merito products (three-pack of 25-ounce marinades or two-pack of 14-ounce seasonings) using code TODAYCHEF.
Checkers & Rally’s A $4 meal deal is available for customers on Memorial Day.
Eddie Merlot’s The brand runs Happy Hour offers on food from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Memorial Day, with appetizers ranging from $10 to $20.
Eight O’Clock Coffee Customers receive 10% off sitewide through May 26 using code DIVEIN.
Fazoli’s Savings of $10 off orders of $50 or more are available at participating locations on May 26 using code MEMORIAL25.
Firehouse Subs Customers who buy one sub get another for 50% off through May 26.
Floura The offer is "buy any flavor, get one for $19.99."
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Over 20 items are available for under $5 during happy hour on Memorial Day from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Goodles Information regarding specific offers was not fully detailed in the source text.
Gopuff Customers spending $35 on the company's new summer collection during Memorial Day weekend receive $10 GoCash. FAM members save 40% off select summer drinks and food, including popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, Basically sparkling water, and hydration drinks.
Grimaldi’s The brand always offers a 15% discount to active-duty and retired military personnel who present a valid ID.
Conclusion
The provided data highlights a range of commemorative offers available to U.S. veterans and active-duty military personnel, primarily centered around Veterans Day. These offers span dining, entertainment, and educational experiences, reflecting a broad industry commitment to military appreciation. Consumers are advised to verify offer details, including required identification and participation restrictions, directly with the participating brands or venues.