Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. In recognition of this day, numerous retailers, restaurants, and service providers offer special freebies and discounts to active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. The following article provides a detailed overview of these offers, based on information compiled from multiple promotional sources for the 2023, 2025, and 2026 Memorial Day periods. It is important for consumers to note that participation and offers can vary by location and year, and it is always advisable to call ahead to confirm details with specific establishments.
Retail and Service Discounts
Several national retailers and service providers extend discounts to military personnel and their families around Memorial Day. These offers typically require verification of military status, such as a valid military ID.
- Home Depot: Offers a 10% discount on Memorial Day with a verified military ID.
- Jiffy Lube: Provides a 15% discount on all services year-round for military personnel.
- Kohl’s: Extends a 15% discount every Monday in May for all military personnel and their families with a verified military ID.
- Levi’s: Offers a 15% discount with a verified military ID.
- Moosejaw: Provides a 20% discount on full-priced items with a verified military ID.
- The North Face: Offers a 10% discount on orders for all military personnel, their spouses, and their dependents.
- Oakley: Offers a 50% discount on select products for military personnel.
- Sherwin-Williams: Provides a 15% discount for all military personnel and their spouses with a verified military ID.
- T-Mobile: Offers 50% off Magenta rate family lines for military personnel and their families.
- Under Armour: Offers a 15% discount on purchases on Memorial Day and features special Veterans-dedicated items for purchase.
- Vineyard Vines: Offers a 15% discount on most products with a verified military ID.
- Zappos: Offers a 10% discount on entire orders for military personnel.
Dining and Restaurant Freebies
Many restaurants offer complimentary meals or special discounts to honor veterans and active-duty service members on Memorial Day. These offers are often available for dine-in only and may require proof of service.
- Ace Hardware: While primarily a retailer, Ace Hardware offered a free American Flag giveaway on May 27th in celebration of Memorial Day.
- Applebee’s: Served an All-You-Can-Eat Memorial Day special for dine-in guests in 2025, offering Chicken Tenders, Double Crunch Shrimp, or Riblets for $15.99, accompanied by coleslaw and endless fries throughout the Memorial Day weekend (May 23–26, 2025).
- Bubbakoo’s Burritos: Offered free delivery with no minimum purchase on orders placed online or in-app during the Memorial Day weekend in 2025 (May 23–26).
- Burger King: Invited Royal Perks members to receive a free treat every day from May 23 through May 26, 2025: a free Whopper Jr.
- Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Celebrated Memorial Day by treating a hero in your life to a free meal. When dining with a veteran, active-duty service member, or Gold Star family, their entree was on the house, with the value of the free meal equal to or less than the purchaser’s meal.
- Hooters: Offered a free entree for veterans and active-duty personnel.
- LaMar’s Donuts: Provided a free donut and coffee in honor of Memorial Day.
- Logan’s Roadhouse: Offered a complimentary meal for active-duty military personnel and veterans.
- McCormick & Schmick’s: Offered a free entree for veterans, active-duty personnel, and Goldstar Honorees.
- Perkins: Offered a free Magnificent Seven meal for veterans on Memorial Day.
- 7-Eleven: Provided various deals for Memorial Day. In 2023, loyalty members could grab a $4 meal deal with a value grill item, 7-Select chips, and a Big Gulp drink. In 2025, 7-Eleven offered $20 off any $30 delivery order when ordering through the 7NOW app with promo code MONDAY20, plus whole pizzas for $6.99 each on May 26, 2025. For 2026, a $10 discount on orders exceeding $20 was noted for subscribers of the 7NOW Gold PassTM subscription delivery service, who could also indulge in one free pizza per day.
Special Offers and Promotional Giveaways
Beyond food and retail, other types of businesses and organizations offer special promotions for Memorial Day.
- Busch Gardens, Sea World, and Sesame Place: Offered free admission tickets and discounts to military members.
- Colonial Williamsburg: Provided complimentary admission during Memorial Day weekend.
- Crayola: Offered free Memorial Day-themed coloring pages.
- JCPenney: Provided a free 8×10 photo for military families as a Memorial Day gesture.
- National Parks: Military members and their dependents can obtain a free annual pass to explore National Parks.
- Zaxby’s: Through June 1st, offered half off all shakes, including Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, and Birthday Cake.
Important Considerations for Consumers
When seeking out Memorial Day freebies and discounts, consumers should be aware of several key factors to ensure a smooth experience.
Verification of Military Status: Most offers are explicitly for military personnel, veterans, and their families. Be prepared to present a valid military ID or other acceptable proof of service (such as a VA card or discharge papers) at the point of purchase or service. Some offers may also be available to Gold Star families.
Location and Participation Variability: The listed offers are based on national chains, but participation can vary by individual franchise location or store. It is highly recommended to call the specific location you plan to visit ahead of time to confirm they are honoring the advertised Memorial Day promotion.
Timing and Validity: Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. Most offers are valid only on the holiday itself or during the preceding weekend (Friday through Monday). Some deals, like those from 7-Eleven or Zaxby’s, may extend slightly beyond the holiday weekend. Always check the specific dates for each promotion.
Source Reliability: The information presented is compiled from various promotional deal websites and blogs that aggregate such offers. While these sources strive for accuracy, the most reliable information will always come directly from the official brand website or a verified corporate announcement. Consumers are encouraged to cross-reference offers with the official brand’s website or social media channels when possible.
Conclusion
Memorial Day serves as a solemn occasion to honor fallen service members, and many U.S. businesses participate by offering special freebies and discounts to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. These promotions span a wide range of categories, including retail, dining, entertainment, and services. From free meals at restaurants like Hooters and Logan’s Roadhouse to retail discounts at Home Depot and The North Face, there are numerous ways for businesses to express gratitude. However, consumers should always verify details directly with the participating location, as offers can vary and may require proof of military service. By planning ahead and confirming participation, eligible individuals can appropriately honor the day while taking advantage of these tributes.