Veterans Day presents a significant opportunity for U.S. veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists, National Guard members, and their families to access a wide array of freebies, discounts, and exclusive services. The landscape of these offers has expanded considerably, with recent guides documenting over 300 available deals spanning free meals, retail discounts, travel perks, museum access, and specialized veteran services. These offers are typically available on or around November 11, though many businesses extend their appreciation throughout the year. The scope of available benefits covers essential services such as automotive maintenance, grooming, and entertainment, alongside valuable digital memberships and professional development resources. Understanding the eligibility requirements and redemption processes is crucial for maximizing these benefits, as specific proof of service is universally required.
Eligibility and Service Verification Requirements
To access the vast majority of Veterans Day offers, participants must provide valid proof of military service. The most commonly accepted forms of identification include a valid military or veteran ID, a VA card, a DD214 form, or a state-issued driver’s license with a veteran designation. While some offers are strictly limited to veterans and active-duty personnel, others extend eligibility to members of the Guard and Reserve, retirees, and in some cases, spouses and dependents. It is highly recommended that individuals bring their military ID to ensure a smooth redemption process at physical locations. For digital offers, verification is often handled through third-party services like SheerID or by submitting documentation through brand-specific portals.
Automotive Maintenance and Repair Offers
Veterans Day is a prime time for automotive maintenance, with several major brands offering free or heavily discounted services.
- Grace for Vets Car Wash Program: This nationwide initiative provides free car washes at thousands of participating locations. Veterans simply need to locate a participating location in their area.
- Valvoline Instant Oil Change: This brand typically offers a free oil change on Veterans Day. Additionally, a 15% military discount is available year-round at participating locations.
- Meineke: Select locations offer a free oil change for veterans on Veterans Day.
- Jiffy Lube: While not a free service, Jiffy Lube usually offers a 50% discount on oil changes specifically on Veterans Day. A 15% military discount is also available year-round, though it varies by location.
Grooming and Personal Care Services
Several national chains and local businesses offer complimentary grooming services to show appreciation.
- Great Clips: Offers a free haircut on Veterans Day. For those unable to visit on the day itself, the brand provides a redeemable haircut card that can be used at a later date.
- Local Barber Shops and Salons: Many local establishments also offer free or discounted haircuts and other services. Veterans are encouraged to check local websites and social media pages or call ahead to confirm participation.
Food and Beverage Freebies
The food and beverage sector offers the most extensive list of free meals on Veterans Day. Redemption typically requires dining in, though some exceptions exist. Proof of service, such as a military ID or wearing a military uniform, is almost always required.
Breakfast Combos:
- Hy-Vee: Offers a free buffet-style breakfast for veterans and active-duty military members from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at all store locations.
- IHOP: Provides a free stack of Red, White, and Blueberry Pancakes for dine-in customers.
- Wendy’s: Usually offers a free small breakfast combo (dine-in or drive-thru) for veterans and military personnel.
- Denny’s: Typically offers a free 2-2-2 breakfast for veterans and active-duty military, available for dine-in, to-go, and online ordering.
- Hot Table Panini (Massachusetts): Offers a free medium panini for veterans and active military.
Lunch and Dinner Combos:
- O’Charley’s: Offers a free meal with military ID and provides a 25% year-round discount for military personnel in uniform.
- Kona Grill: Provides a free entree for veterans and active military (dine-in only; may vary by location).
- Texas Roadhouse: Offers a free lunch entree from a specific menu for veterans and active-duty military from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A 20% year-round discount is also available for military and first responders.
- TGI Fridays: Offers a free entree for veterans and active military (dine-in only; may vary by location).
- Wingstop: Offers a free 10-piece bag of boneless wings and a small fry. Veterans and active-duty military must present a military ID or wear a military uniform.
- Zaxby’s: Offers a free Signature Sandwich a la carte for veterans on Veterans Day.
- World of Beer (Eastern U.S., Texas): Offers a free two-piece smash burger sliders meal with fries at participating locations.
- Willy’s Mexicana Grill (Georgia): Offers a 20% discount for veterans, military members, and their families throughout the month of November.
Specialty Offers:
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Offers a free small order of boneless wings and fries for veterans and active-duty military.
- Red Robin: Offers a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with bottomless fries for veterans and active-duty military.
- Culver’s: Offers a free Value Basket for veterans and active-duty military.
- Chili’s: Offers a free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
- Applebee’s: Offers a free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
- Golden Corral: Offers a free buffet for veterans and active-duty military.
- Outback Steakhouse: Offers a free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage for veterans and active-duty military.
- Cracker Barrel: Offers a free slice of Double Fudge Coca-Cola Cake for veterans and active-duty military.
- Bob Evans: Offers a free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Offers a free pizza for veterans and active-duty military.
- Cici’s Pizza: Offers a free buffet for veterans and active-duty military.
- Hooters: Offers a free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
- Krispy Kreme: Offers a free donut and a small coffee for veterans and active-duty military.
- McDonald’s: Offers a free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
- Panda Express: Offers a free entree and a side for veterans and active-duty military.
- Pizza Hut: Offers a free pizza for veterans and active-duty military.
- Sonic: Offers a free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
- Taco Bell: Offers a free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
- Waffle House: Offers a free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
- Wawa: Offers a free coffee for veterans and active-duty military.
Discounted Offers:
- Houlihan’s: Offers a 50% discount on select entrees for veterans and active military; also offers a 15% year-round military discount.
- Specials: Some locations may offer a free deluxe cookie with a $5 purchase or any classic cookie for $1 year-round.
Retail Discounts and Freebies
Retailers offer various discounts, with some providing free products or significant percentage-off deals.
- Born Primitive: Offers a year-round 15% military discount. Additionally, on Veterans Day, the company donates 100% of its profits to help pay off medical debt for veterans.
- Kohl’s: Offers a 30% discount for military and veterans on Veterans Day. Throughout the year, Kohl’s hosts "Military Mondays," offering military, veterans, and immediate family a 15% discount (in-store only).
- General Retail: Several retailers offer a 10% discount on Veterans Day, which is often highlighted as a year-round benefit. Other retailers offer a 10% discount year-round, with a potential increase to 30% off around Veterans Day (in-store only).
- Overstock.com: Offers veterans a free one-year membership to Club O, which provides a range of rewards, free shipping, and a price-match guarantee. The membership typically costs $19.95.
- Seasonal Discounts: A seasonal 10% discount is available for veterans, military, and first responders at certain retailers.
- Home Furnishings: Some retailers vary by location but may include a free entree at a restaurant or a 15% off home furnishing purchase.
- Groceries: A 10% discount on groceries is available for veterans and active military on Veterans Day at specific retailers.
- Free U.S. Military Ring: A free U.S. military ring is available from November 1 to November 11.
Entertainment, Travel, and Museum Access
Veterans can access free or discounted admission to a variety of cultural and entertainment venues.
- National Park Service: Any member of the military, past or present, can enter any national park for free by presenting a military ID, Veterans Affairs ID, or a state-issued driver’s license showing their service. This grants access to over 2,000 sites. Some parks may require reservations.
- Amusement Parks and Zoos:
- Cincinnati Zoo (Ohio): Offers free admission for veterans on the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. Discounted tickets are available for family members.
- Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia): Offers free admission during Veterans Day weekend (Friday, Nov. 7 through Tuesday, Nov. 11) to all active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen, and their immediate dependents.
- Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta): Offers free admission for active military and veterans, plus a 30% discount in the gift shop, on Nov. 10-11 and other "Military Mondays."
- Knott’s Berry Farm (California): Offers discounted tickets for veterans, military members, and family during Military Tribute Days, Monday through Thursday, Nov. 3–20 and Dec. 1–18. All locations are independently owned and operated, and additional offers may be available.
- VetTix: This national nonprofit organization provides veterans with free tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, and other activities. Recipients only have to pay a small delivery fee.
Digital Memberships and Professional Development
Several companies provide free premium memberships to support veterans in their professional and personal lives.
- LinkedIn: Offers U.S. veterans a free one-year Premium Career subscription, which includes access to LinkedIn Learning. This subscription typically costs $39.99 per month or more and is widely used by veterans and those in the defense industry for job searching and reconnecting with comrades.
- Together We Served: A free veteran-only website from the VA that facilitates reconnecting with former service members. Each branch of the military is represented, with over 1.9 million members.
- RallyPoint: A free platform offering veterans a venue for professional and social discussion, with topics ranging from recruitment to retirement. It has nearly 2 million members.
Conclusion
The range of Veterans Day freebies and discounts is extensive, covering essential services like automotive care and grooming, substantial food and retail savings, and valuable entertainment and professional development opportunities. Redemption of these offers universally requires valid proof of military service, such as a VA card, DD214, or state-issued veteran designation. While many offers are confirmed for Veterans Day, some are available year-round or through specific programs like VetTix and digital memberships. Veterans are advised to verify offer details with specific locations or official brand websites prior to visiting, as participation and terms can vary.