Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, honors active and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. In 2024, the holiday falls on a Monday, providing many office workers and students with a long weekend. As a federal holiday, the day impacts the operating hours of government institutions, financial services, and postal operations. While many services pause to observe the occasion, retail stores and dining establishments generally remain open. Furthermore, numerous national brands and local businesses participate in the tradition of offering complimentary meals, discounts, and special gifts to veterans and active-duty personnel. These gestures range from free restaurant entrees and oil changes to survival food kits and vacation certificates.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of what consumers can expect regarding closures, open services, and available freebies for U.S. service members on Veterans Day 2024. The information is derived from verified reports and official listings regarding the holiday's impact on daily life and the specific offers extended to the military community.
Federal Closures and Operating Schedules
Because Veterans Day is a federal holiday, specific government and financial sectors will suspend operations on Monday, November 11. Consumers planning to conduct business with these entities should anticipate closures and plan accordingly.
Government and Financial Institutions Federal, state, and local government offices, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), will be closed on Veterans Day. Additionally, post offices will be closed, and regular mail delivery will be suspended for the day. Regarding financial services, major banks—including Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citibank, and TD Bank—will close their branches. Federal Reserve banks will also observe the holiday and remain closed.
Retail, Grocery, and Transportation Despite federal closures, most consumer-facing businesses will operate on their regular schedules. Major retailers such as Target, Walmart, and grocery chains like Kroger and Safeway will be open. Costco has also confirmed it will be open on Veterans Day. Transportation services, including public transit (buses and subways) and ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, will run as scheduled. Liquor stores are typically open in most areas, though consumers are advised to check local regulations for potential state-specific restrictions.
Stock Markets and Postal Services Financial markets have a distinct schedule for the holiday. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will be open for trading on Veterans Day. While USPS services are suspended, UPS is scheduled to operate as normal on Veterans Day.
Restaurant Freebies and Meal Deals
A significant portion of Veterans Day celebrations involves restaurants offering free meals to service members. These offers generally require a valid military ID or proof of service and are available at participating locations. Dining offers typically span breakfast, lunch, and dinner categories.
Breakfast and Casual Dining Several chains offer complimentary breakfast items. For example, Baker’s Square provides a complimentary “2-2-2” breakfast to veterans presenting a military ID. Another Broken Egg Cafe offers a free patriot French toast combo and coffee on November 11 for dine-in customers. For lunch and dinner, Applebee’s is a prominent participant, offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a free meal from a select menu. Similarly, Biscuit Belly allows veterans to eat free on Monday, November 11, with a choice of Bacon Egg & Cheese, Sausage Egg & Cheese, or Chicken Biscuit Sandwich, accompanied by a hot drip coffee or fountain drink.
Bar and Grill Offers Bar Louie participates in the holiday by offering a free craft burger to active-duty military and veterans with proof of service at participating locations. Bandana’s Bar-B-Q offers a free Budget Buster Meal to veterans and active military on Veterans Day. Aspen Creek Grill extends its offer over three days, from November 10 to 12, providing a $15 meal voucher to veterans and active-duty military between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Pizza and Sandwich Chains Specific pizza and sandwich chains have also announced participation. California Pizza Kitchen offers a complimentary entrée and drink from a prix fixe menu. Texas Roadhouse offers a free meal to veterans and active-duty military annually. Firehouse Subs provides a free medium sub, drink, and chips or cookie. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse offers a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie to former and current military personnel with a valid ID (dine-in only) on Monday, plus a coupon valid from November 12 through December.
Retail, Auto, and Service Discounts
Beyond food, Veterans Day 2024 features a variety of discounts in retail, automotive, and service sectors. These offers often extend throughout the week rather than being limited to a single day.
Automotive Services AutoNation is offering a 20% discount on all services at AutoNation-branded locations nationwide and via AutoNation Mobile Service from November 11 through November 16. Delta Sonic provides savings of $30 on any oil change for veterans and active-duty service members throughout November, requiring a military ID. Garber Dealerships are offering free oil changes to local veterans and active-duty service members on November 9. Goodyear Auto Service is offering free tire, brake, battery, and fluid checks, plus 10% off tires.
Travel and Lodging For veterans interested in travel, the Armed Forces Vacation Club is offering $299 Resort Vacation Certificates (a $100 discount) until November 21, 2024. B&Bs for Vets is a program across the United States and Canada that typically offers active-duty service members and veterans free lodging for one night on or around Veterans Day; details on specific offerings for 2024 are available via their website.
Survival and Home Goods 4Patriots is offering veterans and active-duty military its best-selling $29 72-Hour Survival Food Kit for free on November 11. To receive this kit, eligible individuals must register on the 4Patriots Veterans Day Celebration Event page on November 11 only. Additionally, Tonal is offering a $1,500 military discount on their fitness system, described as their biggest offer yet, using a specific promo code.
Giveaways and Special Programs
In addition to standard discounts, there are specific giveaways and promotional events targeting the military community. One notable giveaway mentioned runs from October 28 to November 12, 2024. The prize is "The Rec Spec," a watch designed to pay tribute to military precision and durability. Entry into this giveaway is restricted to active military personnel and veterans.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also highlights various programs and discounts. While the VA does not directly endorse commercial products, they facilitate the sharing of information regarding resources available to veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. These resources include the complimentary meals and discounts listed above, which are subject to change and may vary by location. Consumers are advised to verify participation with the specific organization or local franchise before visiting.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2024 offers a combination of operational closures and widespread consumer incentives. While federal government offices, banks, and post offices will be closed, retail stores, stock markets, and transportation services will remain operational. The holiday is characterized by a robust offering of freebies and discounts for U.S. service members, particularly in the restaurant sector, where chains like Applebee's, Texas Roadhouse, and California Pizza Kitchen offer complimentary meals. Additionally, service members can access significant savings on automotive maintenance, travel accommodations, and home fitness equipment. To ensure the validity of these offers, veterans should always carry proof of service and verify participation with local businesses.