Veterans Day serves as a significant annual observance in the United States, dedicated to honoring military veterans for their service. During this period, numerous businesses, government agencies, and organizations across the country extend specific offers to active duty military personnel and veterans. These promotions typically include complimentary meals, retail discounts, and access to recreational facilities. The following guide provides a detailed overview of verified offers and policies available on Veterans Day, based on official announcements and corporate communications.
National Forest Fee Waivers
Federal land management agencies often participate in Veterans Day observances by waiving entrance and day-use fees. This initiative allows veterans and the general public to access national forests and public lands without cost.
Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests The Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests in South Carolina offer fee-free day use on Veterans Day. This waiver applies specifically to day-use fee sites across three ranger districts. Forest Supervisor Rick Lint noted that this annual celebration invites visitors to enjoy popular recreation sites during the fall season.
- Francis Marion National Forest: Fees are waived at the Buck Hall Recreation Area and the Wambaw Cycle Trail.
- Sumter National Forest: Fee waivers apply to the Long Cane Ranger District (near Edgefield), Fell Camp, Lick Fork, and Parsons Mountain Recreation areas. Additionally, the Candy Branch and Beaverdam rifle ranges, the Enoree Ranger District (near Whitmire and Union), Buncombe Horse Trail, and Leeds, Indian Creek, Fairforest, and Philson Crossroads rifle ranges are included in the waiver.
Food and Beverage Offers
Restaurants and food service providers constitute a major sector offering Veterans Day promotions. These offers generally require proof of military service, such as a military ID, DD214 form, or wearing a military uniform. Dining options range from fast food to casual dining, with many providing full meals or specific menu items at no cost.
Casual Dining and Full-Service Restaurants Many sit-down restaurants offer complimentary entrees or special pricing for veterans and active duty personnel. Most of these offers are valid for dine-in service on November 11, though some extend to November 10.
- Duffy's Sports Grill: Veterans receive a free meal on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The offer is dine-in only with ID, limited to one meal per veteran with a maximum value of $15.
- Eddie Merlot’s: Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free Eddie’s Prime Cheeseburger with Fries on November 11. This is a dine-in offer valid while supplies last, requiring proof of service.
- Eureka!: Veterans receive a complimentary burger (any burger) on November 11.
- Farmer Boys: On November 11, veterans and active duty military receive a free Big Cheeseburger for dine-in at participating locations with proof of service, while supplies last.
- Food City: Veterans and active duty military members eat free on November 11.
- Max & Erma's: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free cheeseburger on November 11 at participating locations, requiring proof of service.
- Mission BBQ: Veterans receive a free sandwich on November 11.
- Native Grill & Wings: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a specific selection, including a ½ LB Stripper Combo, ½ LB Boneless Combo, Native Chicken Sandwich with fries, or #MyNative Burger with fries on November 11. A military ID or uniform is required.
- Newick’s Lobster House: Located in Dover, NH, this restaurant offers free meals for veterans up to a $25 value on Veterans Day.
- Ninety Nine Restaurant and Pub: On November 11, from opening until 4 p.m., veterans and active-duty military members presenting a valid military ID receive a free lunch entrée from the Veterans Day Menu with an adult entrée purchase.
- O'Charley’s: Offers a free entrée to all veterans and active-duty military with valid ID from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both November 10 and 11.
- T.G.I. Friday's: Offers a free meal on Veterans Day between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. The menu includes items such as Cheeseburger and Fries, Crispy Chicken Fingers with Fries and Coleslaw, Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken, Half-Rack of Ribs and Choice of Side, and Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta. This offer is dine-in only.
- Texas Roadhouse: Offers free meal vouchers to veterans on Veterans Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. These vouchers are redeemable for dine-in or carry-out meals from a select menu and are valid through May 2025. A valid military ID or proof of service is required.
- Tuscan Kitchen: Offers a free lunch to veterans and active military personnel on Friday, November 10. This offer is valid at all four locations (Boston’s Seaport, Burlington, Salem, and Portsmouth). Reservations are required for the veteran and one guest.
- Houlihan’s: Offers a free and complimentary meal for active-duty military and veterans on Veterans Day.
- BJs Restaurant Brewhouse: Military and veterans with a valid ID are offered a free entrée up to $14.95 and a free Dr. Pepper beverage on November 11.
- Bandanas BBQ Restaurant: Veterans and active duty military are offered a free meal on November 11.
- Outback: Veterans with a military ID get a free Bloomin’ Onion and non-alcoholic beverage on November 11, and 20 percent off their check Nov. 12 to Dec. 31.
Fast Food and Quick Service Restaurants Quick service restaurants generally offer smaller items such as sandwiches, donuts, or coffee.
- Denny's: Veterans and active duty military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam on November 11 from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. A valid Military ID or DD214 is required.
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Veterans and active duty military receive a free Pulled Pork Sandwich on November 11. This is valid in-store and online/app for carryout.
- Dunkin': Active and retired military receive a free donut on November 11. The limit is one per guest while supplies last, and the offer is available in-store only. It is not available for orders placed using On-the-Go Mobile Ordering.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active duty military receive a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store on November 11.
- Farmer Boys: See details under Casual Dining.
- Great Clips: Veterans and active duty service members can visit a salon on November 11 and receive either a free haircut that day or a free haircut card to use at a future visit. Additionally, non-military customers getting a haircut on Veterans Day receive a free haircut card to give to an active service member or veteran.
- MOD Pizza: On November 11, all veterans and active military personnel and their spouses receive the all-new Mega Cookie for free.
- Nekter Juice Bar: Offers veterans and active duty military a free 16 oz. juice or smoothie on Veterans Day at participating locations. A valid military ID is necessary.
- Subway: On November 11, 2019, military veterans with a valid ID are offered a free six-inch sub at select locations.
- Whataburger: Starting November 11, veterans and active duty military members in uniform or with a valid ID get a free 16-ounce Hot or Iced Coffee. Offer valid in-store only at participating locations.
- White Castle: On Veterans Day, White Castle gives a free combo meal or breakfast combo to veterans and active duty service members. Customers must show a valid military ID at participating restaurants.
- Manhattan Bagel Company: On November 11, all active, former, and retired military personnel with valid identification receive a free bagel and cream cheese. No additional purchase is required.
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond food, various retailers and service providers offer discounts to veterans.
- Home Depot: A 10% discount is available for veterans on all in-store purchases throughout November, including on Veterans Day.
- Grunt Style: This military-inspired apparel brand offers a 25% discount for veterans and military personnel on Veterans Day, with free shipping included.
- Publix: Veterans and active military personnel get 10% off on groceries on November 11. This offer excludes prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery tickets, postage stamps, and money services.
- Pilot: On November 11, any ID.me verified active, retired, or veteran service members and their families can enjoy a free meal up to $12 through Pilot’s myRewards Plus app at participating Pilot, Flying J, and One9 Fuel Network travel centers.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2019 offers a wide range of benefits for U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel. These benefits span from recreational access, such as fee-free days in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, to substantial discounts and complimentary meals at major restaurant chains and retailers. The majority of these offers are strictly time-sensitive, valid only on November 11 (and occasionally November 10), and require valid proof of military service. Consumers are advised to verify participation and specific terms with local establishments before visiting.