Veterans Day is a significant date on the calendar for many U.S. consumers, particularly military veterans, active duty personnel, and their families. Across the nation, numerous businesses and organizations choose to honor service members by offering complimentary admissions, meals, services, and discounts. These offers vary widely by location, eligibility requirements, and the type of proof of service required. Based on available data from 2019 and 2020, a broad range of freebies and discounts were available across multiple states, spanning dining, entertainment, retail, and services.
Understanding Eligibility and Proof of Service
Most Veterans Day offers are extended to active duty military personnel, veterans, retirees, and in many cases, their immediate family members or dependents. However, the specific requirements can differ significantly between businesses. To redeem these offers, individuals typically need to present valid identification or proof of service. Common forms of verification include:
- Military ID cards (Common Access Card, Uniformed Services ID)
- Veterans Affairs (VA) cards
- State-issued driver’s licenses with veteran designation
- Orders or membership in veterans organizations
- In some cases, simply wearing a uniform
It is important for consumers to contact specific locations or visit official websites prior to visiting, as participation and terms can vary. Some offers are valid only on Veterans Day (November 11), while others extend over a weekend or several days.
Regional Offerings by State
The following sections detail specific freebies and discounts reported in various states. These include cultural institutions, dining establishments, recreational facilities, and service providers.
Illinois
Illinois residents and visitors found several opportunities to honor veterans in 2020. The First Division Museum in Wheaton hosted a virtual program titled "They Served: Stories From Veterans," which required online registration via Zoom. In Springfield, the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offered free admission to military veterans and active-duty personnel on November 11. Additionally, Sparkle Express in Swansea provided free car washes to all veterans on that date.
Indiana
Indiana offered a mix of food, recreation, and entertainment for veterans. Cabin Coffee Co. in Avon provided a free cup of coffee to veterans on November 11. Foster Golf Course in Fort Wayne allowed veterans and active military personnel to play for free at Foster and McMillen Park Golf Courses, though electric carts were not included. In Shoals, Jug Rock Cafe offered veterans a free meal from a special Veteran’s Day menu. Lil’ Charlie’s Restaurant and Brewery in Batesville extended free drinks and lunch or dinner from a special menu to veterans and active duty personnel. Sky Zone in Indianapolis offered free jump time and SkySocks to military families on November 9.
Iowa
Iowa venues recognized veterans with complimentary meals and events. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden in Des Moines offered free admission to veterans on November 11, 2020. Meskwaki Casino in Tama provided a Veterans Day drive-up freebie consisting of two lunches, one t-shirt, and one $10 Free Play voucher (redeemable by November 30, 2020). Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids offered a complimentary meal to anyone who served. Whalen’s at Westfield in Winona provided free Veterans Day carryout meals, sponsored by Rollingstone Jaycees, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with a limit of 300 meals.
Kansas
Kansas residents had access to free zoo admissions and recreational activities. Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita offered complimentary admission to active duty military, retirees, and their immediate family on November 11. Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes in Wichita provided free bowling and shoe rental for veterans, active duty military, and their families on November 11. Sunset Zoo in Manhattan offered free admission to all guests on November 7 in honor of American soldiers and their families.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, cultural and recreational venues offered significant savings. Churchill Downs in Louisville provided free general admission tickets and discounted Millionaires Row tickets for military personnel and veterans on November 11. The Creation Museum and Ark Encounter in Petersburg offered free admission to both attractions on Veterans Day. The Louisville Zoo offered free general admission to active and retired military and their dependents on Veterans Day.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts featured a variety of dining and service offers. Persy’s Place in locations including Falmouth, Hyannis, Kingston, Mashpee, Middlebro, and North Dartmouth provided a complimentary meal and drink on November 1. Pinz Milford in Hadley, Kingston, and Milford offered free bowling and shoe rental to veterans and military members on November 11. ScrubaDub Car Wash provided free washes to active military personnel and veterans at tunnel locations across New England on November 11. Tuscan Kitchen in Boston and Burlington offered a free lunch to veterans and active military personnel from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 11.
Michigan
Michigan businesses offered free meals, drinks, and recreational activities. Asilynot Coffee Company in Millington provided a free drink of choice to veterans, active military, and reserves on November 11, 2020. Brown Iron Brewhouse in Washington offered a free Veterans Day meal from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bucks Run Golf Club in Mount Pleasant allowed veterans to play for free. JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill in Springfield offered a free 2-piece chicken dinner including sides. Tavern 101 in Bay City provided free meals to current and past heroes on November 11, 2020.
Minnesota
Minnesota offers included a complimentary breakfast buffet and carryout meals. A hotel offer (specific brand not identified in the text) provided a rate including a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, a two-room spacious suite, and a free hotel shuttle within 5 miles. Whalen’s at Westfield in Winona provided free Veterans Day carryout meals from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Missouri
The National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City offered free admission to veterans and active duty military personnel from November 7 to November 15, 2020. General public admission was half-price on November 11.
Nebraska
Nebraska venues provided free admissions, meals, and gaming credits. The Durham Museum in Omaha offered complimentary admission to veterans and their families on November 7-8, requiring advance reservations and military ID. Fernando’s Cafe & Cantina in Omaha offered 50% off dine-in meals for veterans. Green Beans Coffee Omaha provided a free 12oz coffee or tea, a free breakfast burrito, bagel, or muffin, and double discounts on everything else. Ohiya Casino & Resort in Niobrara offered $10 in Free Play to service members from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium offered free admission to active and retired military members, veterans, and their families on November 11, 2020. The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland offered free admission and a program on Veterans Day.
Tennessee
Tennessee offered free distillery tours and zoo admissions. Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg offered free tours to former, retired, and active U.S. military from November 11. The Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga offered free admission for veterans from November 8 to November 15. The Nashville Zoo offered free admission on Military Appreciation Day (November 8) to active military, veterans, and immediate families.
Texas
Texas provided a wide range of dining and entertainment offers. The Alamo in San Antonio hosted a free virtual event. Alsatian Golf Club in Castroville offered 10% off in the pro shop. Banh Mi Viet in Fort Worth offered a free sandwich to veterans and active-duty service members from November 7 to November 15 (code BMVVET20 for online orders). Becks Prime in Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, and The Woodlands offered a free burger on November 11, 2020. Bombshells Restaurant & Bar in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and Spring offered free meals to veterans and 20% off for accompanying family members on November 11, 2020.
Washington and Washington D.C.
Washington state featured free park admissions, dental services, and casino offers. Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie offered a free order of Brioche Donuts to veterans attending brunch on November 11, 2020. Silver Reef Casino Resort in Ferndale provided a $15 Food & Beverage Voucher and $10 in free play to Reef Rewards Members with valid ID. Spokane Family Dental in Spokane Valley offered free dentistry for veterans. Swinomish Casino & Lodge in Anacortes offered a complimentary meal and $10 in Promo Play from November 11 to 15, 2020. Washington State Parks offered free admission on November 11, 2020. Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle offered free admission to active, retired, and veteran U.S. military personnel and spouses with valid ID.
In Washington D.C., Farmers & Distillers offered a 50% discount for active and retired military from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11. The Museum of the Bible offered free admission to active duty service members, veterans, and their spouses and children from November 6–13.
West Virginia
West Virginia State Parks offered a 50 percent discount to veterans and military personnel at some lodges and cabins between November dates. Stewarts Original Hot Dogs in Kenova provided a free 2 hot dog combo meal to all veterans on November 11.
National Restaurant Chains (2019 Data)
In addition to state-specific offers, several national restaurant chains provided Veterans Day discounts in 2019. These included:
- BJs Restaurant Brewhouse: Free entree up to $14.95 and a free Dr. Pepper beverage on November 11.
- Bandanas BBQ Restaurant: Free meal on November 11.
- Houlihan’s: Free and complimentary meal for active-duty and veterans on Veterans Day.
- Manhattan Bagel Company: Free bagel and cream cheese on November 11.
- Outback: Free Bloomin’ Onion and non-alcoholic beverage on November 11, plus 20% off checks from November 12 to December 31.
- Subway: Free six-inch sub on November 11 at select locations.
- TGI Fridays: Free lunch menu item up to $12 on November 11, plus a $5 coupon for a future meal.
Note: The specific locations and availability of these national offers should be verified by contacting local establishments.
Conclusion
Veterans Day offers a diverse array of freebies and discounts across the United States, ranging from free meals and recreational activities to cultural admissions and essential services. While the specific year and participating locations may vary annually, the tradition of honoring service members remains consistent. Consumers are advised to bring valid proof of service and confirm details with individual businesses prior to making plans.