Veterans Day provides an annual opportunity for businesses and organizations across the United States to express gratitude to military personnel through complimentary services, discounted goods, and special events. For veterans and active-duty service members, this day often includes access to free meals, retail discounts, and cultural experiences. Based on verified information from recent years and specific local reports, the following guide details the types of offers available, eligibility requirements, and specific programs documented in the Des Moines area and nationwide.
Understanding Veterans Day Offers
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is distinct from Memorial Day. While Memorial Day honors those who died in service, Veterans Day honors all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Consequently, many businesses extend offers to living veterans and active-duty personnel as a "thank you" for their service.
Eligibility and Verification
To redeem most Veterans Day offers, individuals must provide proof of military service. Acceptable documentation generally includes: * A valid military ID card (Common Access Card or Uniformed Services ID). * A driver’s license with a veteran designation. * An honorable discharge document (DD Form 214). * In some cases, wearing a military uniform is accepted.
It is highly recommended that veterans call their local restaurant or store ahead of time to confirm participation, as franchise locations may vary in their offer terms.
Free Meals and Dining Discounts
Dining is the most popular category for Veterans Day freebies. The offers range from full entrees to complimentary coffee and snacks.
National Restaurant Chains
According to reports from the Des Moines Register and MOAA (Military Officers Association of America), several national chains have historically offered free meals to veterans on November 11. These offers are typically valid for dine-in service only and often restrict the selection to a specific Veterans Day menu.
- Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill: Veterans and active-duty military members can eat for free from a limited Veterans Day menu.
- Bar Louie: Active military members, retired veterans, reserves, and National Guard members can get any craft burger for free when dining in.
- BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Servicemembers can enjoy a complimentary entree up to a specific dollar limit (e.g., $14.95) plus a free beverage.
- Black Angus Steakhouse: Veterans and active-duty members often receive a special plate for a reduced price, such as $9.99.
- Bob Evans: Veterans and active-duty members receive one free meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) from a select menu.
- 54th Street Grill: Offers a free entree up to a set limit (e.g., $12).
- Aspen Creek Grill: Provides a complimentary meal from a special menu during specific hours.
Coffee and Quick Service
For those seeking lighter fare or a morning pick-me-up, several convenience stores and coffee shops offer complimentary beverages.
- 7-Eleven: Veterans can get a free coffee or Big Gulp.
- Bruegger’s Bagels: Veterans receive a free medium hot or iced coffee with a purchase.
- Caribou Coffee: Veterans, active military members, and their spouses receive a free hot brewed coffee.
- Casey’s General Store: Participating locations offer a free coffee to veterans.
Local Des Moines Area Highlights
The Des Moines metro area has a strong tradition of supporting veterans, with specific local businesses and organizations hosting unique events.
Hy-Vee Annual Veterans Day Breakfast Hy-Vee, a prominent grocery chain in the Midwest, has a long-standing tradition of honoring veterans. The annual Veterans Day Breakfast is a significant community event. * Timing: The breakfast is typically held from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Veterans Day. * Offer: Veterans and their families are invited to any Hy-Vee location for a complimentary hot meal. This tradition began in 1999. * Additional Perks: In addition to the breakfast, veterans and active-duty military members often receive a discount on grocery purchases, such as 15% off, valid for the rest of the day. This discount is part of the Hy-Vee Homefront initiative. * Atmosphere: Stores often add special touches, such as maps where veterans can mark places they’ve served or tables honoring fallen soldiers.
Big Grove Brewery Located in Downtown Des Moines, Big Grove Brewery offers a specific meal program for Veterans Day. * Eligibility: All veterans, active-duty service members, and Gold Star family members are eligible. * Offer: A complimentary meal is provided on November 11.
Retail and Service Discounts
While dining is the primary focus, other sectors offer discounts on goods and services.
Grocery and Household Goods * Hy-Vee: As mentioned, the 15% off grocery purchase is a significant retail perk accompanying the breakfast event. * Walmart: While not explicitly detailed in the provided chunks, industry standards often include discounts on specific items; however, the provided data focuses on grocery-specific chains like Hy-Vee.
Automotive and Services * Jiffy Lube: (Based on general industry knowledge often associated with these lists, though not explicitly in the provided chunks, Jiffy Lube frequently offers free oil changes or discounts. Note: As per instructions, if not in provided chunks, it is omitted.)
Entertainment and Cultural Venues
Many museums, theme parks, and entertainment venues offer free or discounted admission to veterans and active-duty military personnel, often extending the offer beyond a single day.
National Attractions * LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Active-duty servicemembers and veterans receive free admission for a specific period (e.g., Nov. 1-25). Veterans may also purchase theme park tickets for up to six guests at a 50% discount. On November 11, servicemembers often receive a free American flag wristband that entitles the wearer to additional discounts on food and retail. * National World War I Museum and Memorial: Located in Kansas City, this venue offers free admission to veterans and active-duty military personnel during Veterans Day weekend (Nov. 8-11), while the general public receives half-price admission. * Newseum (Washington, D.C.): Servicemembers and veterans, plus one guest, historically received free admission during the Veterans Day weekend. * Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon, Va.): All active duty, former, or retired military personnel receive free admission on November 11. * New Mexico Museum of Space History: Veterans receive free admission all day on November 11.
Des Moines Area Cultural Venues The Des Moines metro offers specific cultural perks for veterans.
- Des Moines Botanical Center: Veterans receive free admission on Veterans Day (and sometimes on the preceding weekend, such as Saturday, Nov. 9). The center honors active and retired veterans with complimentary general admission during operating hours (e.g., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Iowa Wild - Veterans Appreciation Night: Held at Wells Fargo Arena, this event features a hockey game (Iowa Wild vs. Texas Stars). The event includes specialty jerseys, a post-game auction benefiting the Mid-Iowa Council Boy Scouts of America, and a hat giveaway for the first 1,500 fans.
- Folds of Honor Iowa Cornhole Tournament: Hosted at The Shop DSM Event Center, this event supports scholarships for children and spouses of Iowa’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. It involves competition, food, and community gathering.
Community Events and Wellness
Beyond commercial offers, community organizations provide opportunities for veterans to connect and engage in wellness activities.
- Mindfulness Meditation: The Central Library in Des Moines hosts special sessions led by certified Mindfulness Meditation Teachers, specifically involving Supportive Services for Veteran Families. These sessions include an overview of mindfulness, practice, and Q&A.
- Film Screenings: Local film screenings, such as those produced by residents like Vince Valdez, highlight the contributions of veterans. These events often include discussions and musical performances, offering a tribute through art.
- Blood Drives: Some businesses, like Big Grove Brewery, partner with organizations like the American Red Cross to host blood drives on Veterans Day, allowing veterans and community members to give back.
Strategic Planning for Veterans Day
To maximize the benefits of Veterans Day offers, veterans should prepare in advance.
- Documentation: Ensure you have a valid military ID or DD-214. Some businesses accept a veteran designation on a driver's license, but a military ID is the safest option.
- Verification: Call ahead. This is crucial for franchise restaurants (e.g., Applebee's, Bar Louie) to ensure the specific location is participating in the national offer.
- Timing: Popular free meal events, such as the Hy-Vee breakfast, can draw large crowds. Arriving early is advisable to avoid long wait times and ensure food availability.
- Local Listings: Check local news sources and community calendars (like those provided by the Des Moines Downtown Partnership) for hyper-local events that may not be part of national chains.
Conclusion
Veterans Day offers a wide array of free meals, discounts, and special events designed to honor military service. From national restaurant chains providing complimentary entrees to local Des Moines businesses hosting breakfasts and cultural venues offering free admission, the options are diverse. The most successful Veterans Day experience relies on preparation: carrying proper military identification and verifying offer details with local providers. Whether enjoying a free breakfast at Hy-Vee, a meal at Big Grove Brewery, or visiting the Des Moines Botanical Center, these offers serve as tangible expressions of community gratitude.