Veterans Day 2024 offers a variety of free meals, discounts, and special events across the Lehigh Valley to honor those who have served. Businesses and organizations in the region are providing complimentary food, beverages, and services to veterans and active-duty military personnel on and around November 11. This guide compiles verified offers from local restaurants, national chains, and community events, emphasizing the importance of verifying details directly with the provider and presenting required proof of service.
Local Restaurant Offers in the Lehigh Valley
Numerous local establishments in the Lehigh Valley are providing Veterans Day specials. Veterans should always bring proof of service, such as a DD214 or military ID, to redeem these offers. Availability may vary by location, and reservations are often recommended.
Bethlehem Area
- Bar Louie: Offers a free craft burger for veterans at its location at 2960 Center Valley Pkwy., Suite 700, Center Valley.
- The Bayou: Provides a free entree for veterans. Reservations are strongly recommended. This location at 702 Hawthorne Road, Bethlehem, also offers everyday Hometown Hero discounts.
- Carl’s Corner: Offers $7.00 Deli-Delight Meals for veterans and a 10% discount on other items for the rest of the year. Located at 2 W. Elizabeth Ave., Bethlehem.
- Copperhead Grille: Gives veterans a 20% discount all day with certain restrictions. The Bethlehem location is at 5737 Route 378.
- PJ Whelihan’s: Provides a free 5-piece order of wings for veterans. One of its three Lehigh Valley locations is in Bethlehem.
Allentown Area
- Jay’s Local: Offers a 15% discount for veterans. Located at 2301 Liberty St, Allentown.
- Copperhead Grille: The Allentown location at 1731 Airport Road also provides a 20% discount for veterans with restrictions.
- Menchie’s: Offers six ounces of frozen yogurt for free at participating valley locations.
- Owowcow Creamery: Provides free ice cream for veterans and their loved ones at three Lehigh Valley locations.
- The Shelby: Offers a 10% discount every day for veterans.
Nazareth and Other Locations
- Carl’s Corner: The Nazareth location at 848 Nazareth Pike offers the same Veterans Day and year-round discounts as the Bethlehem location.
- Playa Bowls: Offers free bowls at participating Lehigh Valley locations.
National Chain Offers (Lehigh Valley Participation)
While specific participating locations may vary, several national chains have announced Veterans Day promotions for 2024. Veterans should contact their local restaurant to confirm participation and hours.
- Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a select menu on November 11 at participating locations.
- Denny’s: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can enjoy a free Original Grand Slam on November 11 from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. A valid Military ID or DD214 is required.
- Dunkin’: Veterans and active-duty members receive a free donut of choice on November 11 at participating locations. The offer is available in-store only.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store on November 11.
- Farmer Boys: On November 11, veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free Big Cheeseburger at participating locations. The offer is valid for dine-in only with proof of service and is limited to one per service member.
- Freddy’s: Veterans and active-duty military personnel who visit participating locations on November 11 will receive a meal card valid for a free combo meal of their choice. Cards may be redeemed through Dec. 31, 2024.
- Golden Corral: On November 11 at 5:00 p.m., Golden Corral will offer a free meal to veterans and active-duty military personnel. (Specific details for Lehigh Valley locations were not provided in the source material).
- Another Broken Egg Cafe: Veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free patriot French toast combo and coffee on November 11 at participating locations. A valid ID is required, and the offer is for dine-in only.
Additional Veterans Day Services and Discounts
Beyond food, other businesses in the Lehigh Valley and nationally are offering services and products to honor veterans.
Automotive and Service Discounts
- Sheetz: Will offer a half turkey sub, a regular-size fountain drink, and a car wash for free to veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day (location details for Lehigh Valley were not specified in the provided source).
- AutoNation: Offers a 20% discount on all services in-store at AutoNation-branded locations nationwide from November 11 – 16, 2024.
- Delta Sonic: Veterans and active-duty service members save $30 on any oil change in November. Military ID is required.
- Garber Dealerships: Local veterans and active-duty service members can receive free oil changes on November 9.
- Goodyear Auto Service: Offers free tire, brake, battery, and fluid checks, plus 10% off tires. (Note: The source indicates this offer is available in-restaurant only for select items and requires a military ID, which may be a contradiction in the source material regarding location).
Other Notable Offers
- 4Patriots: Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit (valued at $29) on November 11. Registration is required on the 4Patriots Veterans Day Celebration Event page on November 11 only.
- B&Bs for Vets: This program across the United States and Canada offers active-duty service members and veterans free lodging for one night on or around Veteran’s Day. Specific details are available on the program’s website.
- AARP: Special membership offers are available for veterans through AARP.
- Armed Forces Vacation Club: Offers $299 Resort Vacation Certificates ($100 off) for members until November 21, 2024.
- Cracker Barrel: On November 11, veterans can enjoy a free slice of double fudge Coca-Cola cake with their meal.
- Eureka!: Veterans and active-duty members can receive any free burger on Veterans Day at participating locations.
- Gold Star Chili: On November 11, veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary meal of their choice (up to $12 off their order) with proof of service. Available for dine-in, carry-out, or drive-thru.
Community and Memorial Events
The Lehigh Valley also hosts several community events to honor veterans, which often include refreshments or meals.
- Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill: Will sponsor a free Veterans Breakfast on Saturday, November 11 from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at the LVHN Sports Performance Center on the campus of Schuylkill Haven Area School District (601 E. Main Street, Schuylkill Haven).
- Tamaqua Area Schools: Veterans are invited to a remembrance ceremony on Friday, November 10 at 7:30 a.m. in front of Tamaqua Area High School. A flag raising, patriotic music, and readings are part of the ceremony. Veterans are invited to the high school lobby for refreshments afterward.
- Williams Township: Residents will hold a Veterans Day Program on Saturday, November 11 at 11 a.m. at the Williams Twp. Municipal Campus, 655 Cider Press Rd.
- Rising River Brewing: In partnership with The Sticky Pig and La Frikitona Foodtrucks, will offer free meals for veterans between 12 and 6 p.m. on Veterans Day with a valid ID. Meals will include a 12oz drink of choice from the brewery. Located in Macungie.
- Muhlenberg College: Is holding an Open House for veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, and military families on Friday, November 10 from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at The Fahy Commons for Public Engagement and Innovation, 2318 Chew St., Allentown.
- DeSales University: Holds its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, November 10 at 11 a.m. at The Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley. The featured speaker is Benjamin Busch, a United States Marine Corps veteran.
- Upper Bucks Veterans Organization: Holds its annual 35th Veterans Day Program on Friday, November 10 at 10 a.m. at Strayer Middle School, 1200 Ronald Reagan Dr., Quakertown.
Important Considerations for Veterans
When seeking Veterans Day freebies and discounts, several key points should be kept in mind:
- Proof of Service is Required: Almost all offers require valid proof of military service, such as a DD214, military ID, or other official documentation. Veterans should carry this with them.
- Verify with the Provider: Offers are subject to change and may not be available at all locations. It is always best to call the specific restaurant or business in advance to confirm participation, hours, and any restrictions (e.g., dine-in only, limited menu).
- Participating Locations Vary: National chain promotions are often offered at participating locations only. Not all locations of a chain may be participating in the Veterans Day offer.
- Dine-In vs. Carry-Out: Many food offers are for dine-in only. Some, like Gold Star Chili, may offer carry-out or drive-thru options.
- Event Details: Community events may have specific times and locations. Contact the organizers for the most current information.
Conclusion
The Lehigh Valley offers a meaningful way to honor veterans through a variety of free meals, discounts, and community events on and around Veterans Day 2024. From local restaurants providing complimentary entrees and desserts to national chains offering free breakfasts and burgers, there are numerous opportunities for veterans to be recognized. Automotive services, survival kits, and lodging programs extend the appreciation beyond food. Veterans are encouraged to review the offers listed, confirm details with the participating businesses, and present valid proof of service to enjoy these tokens of gratitude for their service.