Veterans Day 2024 presents a wide array of complimentary offers, discounts, and special events designed to honor those who have served in the U.S. military. This guide consolidates information from official government sources and verified business announcements to provide a clear overview of available benefits. The offers span categories including food services, retail, entertainment, automotive care, and travel, with many available to veterans, active duty personnel, and in some cases, their families. It is important to note that availability can vary by location, and most offers require valid military identification or proof of service. Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors are encouraged to verify details directly with participating organizations, as offers are subject to change.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has compiled a comprehensive list of Veterans Day deals and events. Their bulletin highlights hundreds of discounts, free meals, and services available throughout November 2024. These include restaurants, haircuts, car washes, oil changes, and travel-related offers. The VA also promotes over 400 free events nationwide, such as ceremonies, parades, and concerts, which are organized by state and updated regularly. For veterans seeking a quick meal or beverage, the Veterans Canteen Service provides free breakfast and coffee at VA locations on November 7 and 8, 2024. A facility locator is available to find the nearest participating canteen.
Food and Dining Offers
A significant number of restaurants offer complimentary meals or discounts to veterans and active duty service members on Veterans Day. These promotions are typically valid on November 11, 2024, and require a valid military ID. Dine-in service is commonly specified, though some may offer takeout options.
- 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.
- Applebee’s: Veterans and active duty military personnel receive a free meal from a select menu on November 11 at participating locations.
- Publix: Veterans, active duty military, and their families receive a 10% discount off purchases on November 11, 2024. Exceptions may apply, and proper identification must be shown.
Entertainment and Attractions
Many cultural institutions, zoos, and parks offer free or discounted admission to veterans and their families during the Veterans Day period. These offers often extend beyond a single day, covering a weekend or the entire month of November.
- Colonial Williamsburg (VA): Active duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen, and their immediate dependents receive free admission during Veterans Day weekend (November 8–11, 2024). This includes admission to historic trades and sites, two world-class art museums, and complimentary shuttle service.
- Country Music Hall of Fame (TN): Veterans plus up to three immediate family members receive free admission on Veterans Day, November 11, 2024.
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (IA): Veterans receive free admission on November 9, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Monticello (VA): U.S. military veterans receive free admission for the Monticello Self-Guided Pass, Gardens and Grounds Pass, or the Highlights Tour during Veterans Day weekend (November 9–11, 2024). Active-duty military personnel receive free admission to the Highlights Tour or Grounds Ticket year-round.
- Natural History Museum of Utah (UT): Veterans plus one guest receive free admission during Veterans Day weekend (November 9–11, 2024). Veterans also receive a 10% discount on any purchase made at the Museum Store.
- Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium (WA): Veterans receive free general admission for Veterans Day weekend (November 9–11, 2024) with a valid ID. Veteran’s immediate family members receive 50% off single-day tickets.
- San Antonio Zoo (TX): Veterans receive free admission for military appreciation month in November 2024 with a valid ID. Up to four additional tickets can be purchased for direct dependents at 50% off (November 1–30, 2024).
- SeaWorld San Antonio: The Waves of Honor program offers veterans a 30% discount on a single-day admission ticket when purchased online. Additionally, the complimentary admission permit allows any U.S. active duty military, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman, and as many as three direct dependents, one complimentary admission per year to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, or Sesame Place. SeaWorld San Diego extends their free admission via Waves of Honor for veterans through Veterans Day.
- Historic Jamestown and Yorktown Battlefield: These sites offer free admission to National Parks and other Federal sites throughout the country on November 11, 2024, as part of a multi-day event.
Free Entrance Days for All
Several federal recreation areas offer free admission to everyone on Veterans Day, providing an opportunity for all Americans to honor the day.
- US National Parks: Everyone receives free admission into U.S. National Parks in honor of Veterans Day on November 11, 2024. Furthermore, current U.S. military (including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Reserve, and National Guard members) and their dependents qualify for a free National Parks annual pass.
- US National Forest Sites: Everyone gets free admission into U.S. National Forest sites in honor of Veterans Day on November 11, 2024.
- US Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Areas: Free entrance is available on November 11, 2024.
Retail, Automotive, and Service Discounts
Beyond dining and entertainment, numerous retailers and service providers offer special pricing for veterans.
- Great Clips: On Veterans Day, customers who visit any U.S. Great Clips salon will receive a free haircut card to give to an active, inactive, or retired military member of any branch. Veterans can also visit any U.S. salon on November 11, 2024, to get a free haircut that day or to pick up a free haircut card for later use.
- Grace for Vets: A global program where car washes offer free car washes to veterans and service members on November 11, 2024. A participating car wash locator is available online.
- IKEA: From November 10–22, 2024, veterans and active duty service members with a valid ID can receive a 15% discount on in-store home furnishing items, up to $3,000 pre-tax.
- Premium Outlets in Norfolk & Williamsburg: Many stores offer everyday military discounts and will offer additional savings in honor of Veterans Day.
- Jamestown–Yorktown Foundation: On November 11, a program of music and an artillery salute will be held at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown to honor those who have served in uniform.
- Other Attractions: Free tours are offered by the St. Augustine, Nashville, and San Diego attractions in honor of Veterans Day on November 11, 2024, to all veterans and active duty personnel.
Important Considerations and Verification
While the offers listed are based on official announcements, it is critical for veterans to verify details directly with the participating organization. Offers are subject to change and may not be available at all locations. A valid military ID, such as a VA ID card, military ID, or other proof of service, is typically required. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes that the sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services. For ongoing discounts and deals, veterans can visit resources like the "Discounts for Active and Retired Military Veterans" article.
The VA also provides other resources, including the VA Welcome Kit, which helps veterans and their families learn about VA benefits and services. A virtual town hall hosted by VA Secretary Denis McDonough in November offers an opportunity for veterans to ask questions.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2024 offers a diverse range of freebies and discounts across the United States. From free meals at restaurants like Applebee’s and Another Broken Egg Cafe to free admission at attractions such as Colonial Williamsburg, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and various National Parks, there are numerous ways for veterans and their families to be recognized. Services like free haircuts from Great Clips and car washes through the Grace for Vets program further extend the appreciation. These offers, compiled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and individual businesses, serve as a tangible thank you for service. Veterans are advised to prepare their identification and confirm participation with local establishments to ensure they can take advantage of these well-deserved benefits.