Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a national holiday dedicated to honoring all who have served in the U.S. military. In recognition of this service, numerous businesses and organizations across the country offer special promotions, complimentary meals, and discounts. These offers are extended to active-duty service members, veterans, and in some cases, their families. The following guide details the types of Veterans Day 2024 offers available, the common requirements for participation, and the categories of businesses providing these tributes. This information is compiled from publicly available promotional lists and official announcements.
Understanding Veterans Day Offers
Veterans Day offers are a tradition of gratitude, providing tangible benefits to those who have served. These promotions vary widely, from free meals at national restaurant chains to discounts on retail goods and services. The primary goal is to provide a moment of recognition and value to military members on their day.
Most offers are valid only on Veterans Day itself, though some extend through the preceding or following weekend. Eligibility typically requires proof of military service. Common forms of acceptable identification include: * A U.S. Military ID card (active, retired, or veteran) * A U.S. Uniformed Services ID card * A U.S. Department of Defense Form 214 (DD-214) * A state-issued driver’s license or ID card with a veteran designation * Proof of service via the ID.me digital verification platform, as used by some businesses
It is critical for participants to verify all details directly with the offering business, as promotions can change, and participation may vary by location. Offers are often limited to dine-in service at restaurants and may exclude alcohol, taxes, and gratuities.
Complimentary Restaurant Meals
The most prominent category of Veterans Day offers is complimentary meals at restaurants. A wide array of national and regional chains provide free meals to veterans and active-duty personnel. The following is a list of specific offers reported for 2024, based on promotional materials.
National Restaurant Chains
- Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a free meal from a select Veterans Day menu at participating locations on November 11, 2024, with valid ID. Some reports indicate a $5 Bounce Back Card may also be included with the meal.
- Bar Louie: Participating locations offer a free craft burger for active-duty military members and veterans with proof of service on Veterans Day.
- 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. This offer requires a valid ID and is for dine-in only.
- BJ’s Restaurants: Veterans receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with a dine-in purchase and proof of service on Veterans Day. Additionally, veterans dining on November 11 will receive a free appetizer coupon for a future visit, valid through December 31, 2024.
- Bob Evans: Veterans can choose a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu with a dine-in visit and proof of service on November 11, 2024.
- Buca Di Beppo: Veterans receive a free lunch entree with a dine-in visit, military ID, and a specific code (37362-5605-3730) on Veterans Day.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans get a free entrée and beverage from a Veterans Day menu with a dine-in visit and proof of service.
- Carrabba’s: Offers a 10% discount to veterans with proof of service, an ongoing offer not limited to Veterans Day.
- Chevys: Veterans receive a free 2-item combo with a dine-in visit, service ID, and the code VET 2-ITEM on Veterans Day.
- City Barbeque: Veterans get a free sandwich, one side, and a drink with an in-store visit (for dine-in or carryout) and proof of service.
- Cody’s Original Roadhouse: Veterans receive a free meal with proof of service on Veterans Day from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
- Kolache Factory: Veterans get a free kolache and any size fresh brewed coffee with a dine-in visit and valid ID on Veterans Day.
- Kona Grill: Veterans receive 50% off food with a dine-in visit and valid ID between November 8 and November 11, 2024.
- Krispy Kreme: Veterans can get a free doughnut and coffee with a dine-in visit and proof of service on Veterans Day.
- La Madeleine: Offers a 30% discount to veterans with military ID on Veterans Day.
- Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: Veterans receive a free choice of select meals and a $10 thank you card with dine-in and valid ID on Veterans Day.
- Max & Erma’s: Veterans get a 25% discount for the entire table with a dine-in visit and proof of service on Veterans Day.
- Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub: Veterans can receive a free lunch from a Veterans Day menu with the purchase of any entrée and military ID on November 10, 2024, from opening through 5 pm.
- O’Charley’s: Veterans receive a free meal from a special menu with valid ID on Veterans Day between 11 am and 4 pm.
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans get a free Bloomin’ Onion and a choice of any Coke product or a 16 oz domestic draft with the purchase of an adult entrée from November 9 through November 11, 2024.
- Pilot Flying J: Veterans receive a free meal through the Pilot Flying J app, with a store visit and verified proof of service via ID.me, valid through November 11, 2024.
- Qdoba: Offers a 50% discount on a regular entrée to veterans with military ID on Veterans Day.
- Rainforest Cafe: Veterans receive 20% off their meal.
Additional Restaurant and Food Offers
- Baker’s Square: Offers a complimentary “2-2-2” breakfast to veterans who present a military ID on Veterans Day.
- Bandana’s Bar-B-Q: Veterans and active military personnel receive a free Budget Buster Meal on Veterans Day.
- Biscuit Belly: Veterans eat free on November 11 with a choice of a Bacon Egg & Cheese, Sausage Egg & Cheese, or Chicken Biscuit Sandwich, plus a hot drip coffee or fountain drink.
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond meals, many retailers and service providers offer discounts to veterans and active-duty military members, often extending beyond Veterans Day itself.
- Great Clips: On Veterans Day, customers who get a haircut at any U.S. Great Clips salon will receive a free haircut card to give to an active, inactive, retired, or veteran military member. Veterans can also visit on November 11 to get either a free haircut that day or to pick up a free haircut card to use later.
- IKEA: From November 10-22, veterans and active-duty service members with a valid ID can receive 15% off in-store home furnishing items, up to $3,000 pre-tax.
- Premium Outlets (Norfolk & Williamsburg): Many stores offer everyday military discounts and will provide additional savings in honor of Veterans Day.
- Tonal: A Veterans Day deal offers $1,500 off for military personnel with a promo code, described as the brand’s biggest discount ever.
- Grace for Vets Car Wash: A program where participating car washes worldwide offer free car washes to veterans and service members on November 11, 2024. The program has given over 3.8 million free car washes to date.
Entertainment and Attractions
Some attractions, particularly those tied to national heritage, offer free admission to veterans.
- Historic Jamestown and Yorktown Battlefield: Free admission is offered to National Parks and other Federal sites throughout the country on November 11, 2024. This is a multi-day event. The Colonial National Historical Park can be contacted at (757) 898-2410.
- Jamestown–Yorktown Foundation: On Veterans Day, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will host a program of music and an artillery salute to honor those who have served.
Giveaways and Special Events
Some promotions are structured as giveaways. For example, a Veterans Day giveaway is running from October 28 to November 12, 2024. To enter, individuals must be active military or a veteran. The prize is The Rec Spec, a watch designed to pay tribute to military precision and durability.
Important Considerations and Verification
While the offers listed are based on promotional materials for Veterans Day 2024, it is essential to note the following:
- Participation Varies: Not all locations of a chain restaurant or store may participate in national promotions. It is highly recommended to contact the local establishment in advance to confirm.
- Proof of Service: All offers require proof of military service. Veterans should ensure they have an acceptable form of identification.
- Offer Changes: Promotions are subject to change. The most current information is typically available on the company’s official website or social media channels.
- Dine-In vs. To-Go: Many restaurant offers are valid for dine-in only. Some, like City Barbeque, may extend to carryout.
- Exclusions: Free meals often exclude alcohol, taxes, and gratuity. Discounted items may exclude certain brands or products.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2024 presents a broad spectrum of opportunities for U.S. military veterans and active-duty personnel to receive thanks in the form of free meals, retail discounts, and special services. From a complimentary breakfast at Baker’s Square to a free haircut from Great Clips and a 15% discount at IKEA, the day is marked by widespread corporate and community appreciation. The key to successfully accessing these offers lies in preparation: verifying participation with local businesses, carrying valid proof of service, and understanding the specific terms and conditions of each promotion. These gestures, while varied, collectively honor the service and sacrifice of military members across the nation.