Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a national holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring military veterans for their service and sacrifice. In recognition of this day, a wide array of businesses, including restaurants, retailers, service providers, and attractions, offer free meals, discounts, and special promotions to active-duty service members, veterans, and in some cases, their families. The offers for Veterans Day 2024 are extensive, spanning multiple categories from food and beverages to automotive services, travel, and entertainment. This article provides a detailed overview of the available freebies and discounts, based on verified information from authoritative sources. It is crucial for individuals to verify participation with their local establishments and to be prepared with appropriate documentation, as most offers require proof of military service or veteran status.
Free Meals and Restaurant Offers
A significant portion of Veterans Day promotions centers on free meals and food-related offers from national restaurant chains. These offers are typically available to veterans and active-duty military personnel, often requiring dine-in service and valid military identification.
Applebee’s is offering a free meal to all veterans and active-duty service members from a select menu on Veterans Day. This offer is valid for dine-in customers only, and proof of service is required. Similarly, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse provides a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie to former and current military personnel with a valid ID, available for dine-in customers only on Veterans Day. No minimum purchase is required for this offer, and a coupon valid from November 12 through December is also provided.
Red Lobster is mentioned as having a Veterans Day special, though specific details of the offer are not provided in the source material. The source indicates there are over 80 restaurant offers available for Veterans Day free meals, suggesting a wide variety of choices beyond the few explicitly named chains. Local restaurants and smaller establishments may also participate, so it is advisable to inquire directly with any favorite local spots.
Automotive Services and Car Care Discounts
Several automotive service providers and dealerships are offering discounts and free services for veterans and active-duty military members during the Veterans Day period. These offers are often valid for a limited time around November 11.
AutoNation is providing a 20% discount on all services at AutoNation-branded locations nationwide and via AutoNation Mobile Service. This discount is available from November 11 through November 16, 2024. Delta Sonic offers a $30 discount on any oil change for veterans and active-duty service members throughout the month of November; a military ID is required. Goodyear Auto Service is offering free tire, brake, battery, and fluid checks, plus a 10% discount on tires for eligible individuals.
Garber Dealerships are providing free oil changes to local veterans and active-duty service members on November 9. Additionally, 4Patriots, an emergency preparedness provider, is offering its best-selling 72-hour survival food kit for free to all veterans and active-duty service members. To receive the food kit, veterans and active military must register on the 4Patriots Veterans Day Celebration Event page on November 11 only.
Entertainment and Attractions
Various entertainment venues, including movie theaters, zoos, and theme parks, offer free or discounted admission to veterans and military personnel for Veterans Day and sometimes throughout the month of November.
AMC Theatres honors U.S. service members with special military ticket pricing every day, allowing guests to save up to $1.50 per ticket with a valid military ID. Service members can also use touch screen kiosks to receive the discount and must show their military ID when the ticket is scanned.
Several zoos offer free admission or discounts for Veterans Day weekend. Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Washington provides free general admission to veterans from November 9, 2024, to November 11, 2024, with a valid ID. Immediate family members of veterans receive a 50% discount on single-day tickets. The San Antonio Zoo offers free admission to veterans for the entire month of November 2024, with valid military ID. Up to four additional tickets can be purchased for direct dependents at a 50% discount from November 1 through November 30, 2024. The Hill Aerospace Museum in Utah offers free admission to veterans plus one guest during Veterans Day weekend (November 9–11, 2024), and veterans receive a 10% discount on purchases at the Museum Store.
Theme parks also participate. SeaWorld San Antonio offers a 30% discount on single-day admission tickets for veterans when purchased online. The SeaWorld Waves of Honor program provides complimentary admission to any U.S. active-duty military, activated or drilling reservist, National Guardsman, and up to three direct dependents for one complimentary admission per year to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, or Sesame Place. SeaWorld San Diego extends free admission via the Waves of Honor program for veterans through Veterans Day. SeaWorld Orlando also participates in the Waves of Honor program.
St. Augustine, Nashville, and San Diego tour companies are offering free tours in honor of Veterans Day on November 11, 2024, to all veterans and active-duty personnel.
Retail and General Discounts
Beyond food and entertainment, retailers and service providers offer various discounts. Publix provides a 10% discount off purchases to veterans, active-duty military, and their families on November 11, 2024. Exceptions may apply, and proper identification must be shown.
Armed Forces Vacation Club is offering $299 Resort Vacation Certificates ($100 off) for members until November 21, 2024. AARP has special membership offers available for veterans. B&Bs for Vets, a program across the United States and Canada, has historically offered active-duty service members and veterans free lodging for one night on or around Veteran’s Day; details for 2024 should be verified on the program’s website.
Free Offers for Everyone
Some Veterans Day deals are available to the general public, not just military members. On November 11, 2024, everyone receives free entrance to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas. Additionally, free entrance is available to all U.S. National Parks and U.S. National Forest sites in honor of Veterans Day on November 11, 2024. Current U.S. Military members (including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Reserve, and National Guard) and their dependents qualify for a free National Parks annual pass.
Important Considerations for Redemption
To successfully redeem Veterans Day offers, individuals should be prepared. Most offers require a valid military ID, veteran ID, or other proof of service. It is highly recommended to double-check with local outlets to confirm participation, as franchise locations may have varying policies. Some deals may start before November 11, so checking early is beneficial. For offers requiring registration, such as the 4Patriots food kit, ensure registration is completed on the specified date (November 11). Always call ahead or check the official website of the business for the most current and accurate information regarding offer details, eligibility, and expiration dates.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2024 presents a broad spectrum of freebies and discounts for U.S. veterans and active-duty military personnel, spanning restaurants, automotive services, entertainment, retail, and travel. Offers range from free meals at major chains like Applebee’s and BJ’s to discounted oil changes from Delta Sonic and free admission to zoos and theme parks. Special programs like SeaWorld’s Waves of Honor and the National Parks annual pass provide extended benefits. Additionally, several free entrance days and discounts are available to the general public. The key to accessing these benefits is preparation: verify participation with local businesses, carry valid proof of service, and note any specific registration requirements or time limitations. By leveraging these offers, veterans and their families can enjoy a day of recognition and appreciation.