Veterans Day in Central New York offers a variety of complimentary services, meals, and event admissions for military personnel. The available benefits range from essential healthcare services to dining experiences and cultural attractions. Information regarding these offers is compiled from local news outlets and official event listings.
Free Meals and Dining Offers
Multiple national and local restaurant chains provide complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. These offers typically require in-person dining and proof of military service, such as a military ID, VA card, or veteran organization membership card. Most participating locations are open on November 11, 2025, though specific hours and menu options may vary by location.
- 7-Eleven: Veterans can receive a free Quarter-Pound Big Bite 100% all-beef hot dog through the 7NOW app.
- Applebee’s: A free meal is available from a special menu for dine-in customers. Participants also receive a $5 Bounce Back Card valid for dine-in, To Go, or delivery within three weeks.
- Aroma Joe’s: All veterans receive a free 24oz beverage.
- Chili’s: A free meal from a select menu is available for in-restaurant dining.
- Denny’s: Veterans can enjoy a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Dunkin’: A free donut is available at participating locations.
- Friends and Family: This restaurant offers free admission for veterans on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025.
- Hooters: A free entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu is available with the purchase of a beverage, dine-in only.
- Huddle House: A free MVP Breakfast Platter is offered.
- IHOP: Veterans can receive free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes, dine-in only.
- Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant: Complimentary burger or sandwich along with a non-alcoholic beverage.
- J. Christopher’s: A free meal is available, dine-in only.
- Jeremiah’s Italian Ice: A free small treat is provided.
- Kolache Factory: A free kolache and a cup of coffee are available from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Krispy Kreme: A free coffee and doughnut are available at participating locations.
- Lab Bakery & Coffee Bar: A free cup of coffee and a slice of vanilla pound cake on November 11 with a valid ID.
- LaMar’s Donuts: A free donut and 12 oz. coffee.
- Lion’s Choice: A free original roast beef sandwich is available. A standing 20% discount offered daily may also be utilized.
- Little Caesars: A free Lunch Combo is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in-store only.
- Logan’s Roadhouse: A free meal is offered between 3 and 6 p.m. from a special menu.
- Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ: Complimentary personal-sized entrée from a select menu.
Healthcare Services
Free Dental Care
Eastwood Dental Office provides an annual Veterans Day free dental care event. For the 14th year, Dr. Joan Laura offers free dental services to all veterans. Services include cleanings, fillings, or extractions at no cost. The event takes place at 2326 James St. from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Proof of service is required. Questions can be directed to (315) 438-3333.
Cultural Attractions and Entertainment
Several museums and attractions in New York State offer free admission or discounted tickets to veterans and active-duty military members. Some offers extend to accompanying family members or are valid for a broader timeframe than just Veterans Day.
- LEGOLAND® NY (Goshen): Active-duty military members and veterans receive free 1-day 1-park tickets from October 1 through November 30. Additionally, service members can purchase 50% off 1-day tickets for up to six accompanying guests.
- National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum (Cooperstown): Veterans receive free admission for the month of November and a $10 off discount on admission fees year-round. Active-duty military members receive free admission year-round.
- Summit One Vanderbilt (Manhattan): Veterans and active-duty military members receive free admission. Military families can also receive 25% off admission for up to four guests.
- The Discovery Center (Binghamton): On Veterans Day, the Discovery Center offers free admission to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their family members from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The location is 60 Morgan Rd. Valid military ID is required.
- USS Slater Destroyer Escort Museum (Albany): The museum hosts a ceremony at 9:00 a.m. on the observation deck. Veterans receive free admission following the ceremony.
Veterans Day Events in Central New York
Various communities in Central New York host ceremonies, parades, and commemorative runs to honor veterans. Event details and times are subject to change based on weather and local organization schedules.
Onondaga County and Syracuse Area
- Wreaths for Veteran Graves: A Remembrance Wreath Laying Ceremony is scheduled for December 13 at 9 a.m. at the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Information on sponsoring a wreath or volunteering is available via the provided link.
- Syracuse University Events: Syracuse University hosts veteran and military-connected events on November 11. Details are available at veterans.syracuse.edu/events/.
- Syracuse University 2025 Veterans Day 5k Fun Run and Walk: This event takes place at 6:30 a.m. Runners complete three full laps, while walkers complete one lap. T-shirts are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The start point is in front of Hendricks Chapel. Complimentary parking is available in the Raynor Ave. Lot and the Irving Ave. Garage. Participants are invited to refreshments at the quad following the event.
- Syracuse University Veterans Day Ceremony: An annual ceremony is held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the K.G. Tan Auditorium of the National Veterans Resource Center. A catered lunch reception follows immediately.
Rome and Surrounding Areas
- Rome Ceremony: Rome’s annual ceremony takes place at 10:30 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. The New York State Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s ceremony occurs at 2 p.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
- Harland J. Hennessey VFW Post / Charles J. Love American Legion / Tun Tavern Leathernecks: These groups host multiple memorial stops starting at 9 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Forest between Boonville and West Leyden. The group heads to the Veterans Monument at Ava Cemetery at 9:30 a.m., with a final ceremony at the Erwin Park Monument at 11 a.m.
Herkimer and Albany Areas
- Herkimer Veterans Council: A ceremony is held at VFW 4915 at 11 a.m., featuring guest speaker Vincent Iocovozzi.
- City of Albany: The annual Veterans Day Parade steps off from Central Avenue and Robin Street at 11 a.m.
Conclusion
Veterans Day in Central New York provides significant opportunities for service members to access free dental care, meals, and cultural experiences. From specific dental services in Syracuse to free admission at attractions like LEGOLAND NY and the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the offerings cover diverse needs. Additionally, community events such as the Syracuse University 5k Fun Run and various local ceremonies offer ways to honor the day. Veterans are advised to confirm specific offer details, hours, and required identification with individual businesses and event organizers prior to attendance.