Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed annually on November 11 to honor all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In the Knoxville, Tennessee area, numerous businesses and organizations extend special offers, free meals, and discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel. These promotions typically require valid military identification and are often available for dine-in or in-person redemption on Veterans Day itself. The following is a comprehensive overview of the freebies, deals, and events available to veterans in the Knoxville region, based on local news reports.
Veterans Day Events and Parades
Several community events in the Knoxville area are planned to commemorate Veterans Day.
Anderson County Veterans Day Parade The Anderson County Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for November 8 at 10 a.m. The parade route will travel down Hicks Street in Clinton.
Knoxville Veterans Day Parade American Legion Post 2 will host its 100th Veterans Day Parade on November 11 in Knoxville. The parade is set to begin at 10:40 a.m. and travel down Gay Street. Road closures will be in effect on November 11 to accommodate the parade: * Hill Avenue between Walnut Street and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (closures begin at 8 a.m.) * Main Street between Gay Street and Walnut Street (closures begin at 8 a.m.) * Gay Street between Main Street and Magnolia Avenue (closures begin at 10 a.m.)
YMCA Veterans Day Breakfast A free breakfast for veterans will be held at the Cansler Family YMCA from 7:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. on Veterans Day.
Free Meals and Restaurant Deals
A wide variety of restaurants in and around Knoxville offer complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. Most offers are for dine-in only and require a valid military ID.
National and Regional Chains * Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a select menu on November 11. * Chick-fil-A: Participating Knoxville restaurants offer a free chicken biscuit or chicken sandwich. * Chili’s: Complimentary dine-in meal from a special Veterans Day menu for veterans and active military. * Cici’s Pizza: Free meal available for veterans. * Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Veterans receive complimentary Sunrise Pancake Specials. * Denny’s: Veterans can get a free "Build Your Own Grand Slam" by providing military or veteran ID at participating restaurants between 5 a.m. and noon on November 11. * Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Veterans receive a card for a free combo meal, with no purchase needed. The meal card is valid through December 31, 2024. * IHOP: Complimentary Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo. * McDonald’s: Free meals for veterans all day. In the Greater Middle Tennessee area, a complimentary breakfast combo (including a hash brown and any size soft drink or coffee) is available during breakfast hours. * Scooter’s Coffee: Free handcrafted beverage with a valid military ID. * Smoothie King: Free 20oz smoothies. * Starbucks: Free tall hot or cold brewed coffee, also available to military spouses. * Texas Roadhouse: Free meal voucher available. * Wendy’s: Free breakfast sandwiches during breakfast hours.
Local and Specialty Offers * Another Broken Egg Cafe: All veterans, active duty, and retired military personnel are invited to enjoy a complimentary Patriot French Toast topped with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream, paired with Barista House Blend Coffee. This is a dine-in only offer on November 11. * Weigel’s Stores: Free coffee to veterans and active duty service members.
Free Services and Discounts Beyond Food
Several businesses offer free services or discounts to veterans on Veterans Day and throughout the year.
Services * Gambuzza’s Barbershop: Military veterans and active service members can get a free haircut at both Gambuzza’s Barbershop locations in Knoxville. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead is recommended due to demand. A military ID is required, and vouchers will be provided to anyone that cannot be served on Veteran’s Day. * Ijams Nature Center: Free parking is available on November 11.
Retail and Other Discounts * Academy Sports and Outdoors: 10% off for veterans and military members on Veterans Day. * Amazon: 20% off for veterans and military members on Veterans Day. * Casey’s: Free car wash for veterans and military members on Veterans Day. * Home Depot: Offers a 10% off discount for veterans and military members year-round. * Knoxville Zoo: Offers free entry to veterans and military members year-round. * Publix: 10% off with a valid veteran or military ID card on Veterans Day. * Walgreens: 20% off for veterans and military members on Veterans Day.
Important Considerations for Veterans
When seeking Veterans Day freebies and discounts, veterans and active-duty military members should be prepared to present valid identification. Most restaurant offers are strictly for dine-in service on November 11 and are not available for takeout or delivery. It is advisable to contact specific locations in advance, as participation can vary, and some offers may have limited availability or specific time windows (e.g., breakfast hours). For services like the free haircut at Gambuzza’s Barbershop, calling ahead is recommended due to anticipated high demand.
Conclusion
The Knoxville area offers a substantial array of free meals, services, and discounts to honor veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. From community parades and a dedicated breakfast at the YMCA to complimentary meals at major national chains and local restaurants, there are numerous opportunities for service members to be recognized. Additionally, discounts on retail purchases, free haircuts, and other services are available both on the holiday and throughout the year. Veterans should ensure they have a valid military ID and check with individual businesses for specific terms and conditions of each offer.