Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring living veterans who have served in the United States military. The holiday originated from the commemoration of Armistice Day, marking the cessation of hostilities in World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. President Woodrow Wilson inaugurated the first celebration in 1919. For 2024, Veterans Day falls on a Monday, November 11. In recognition of this day, numerous businesses, organizations, and government agencies across the United States offer special discounts, free meals, and complimentary services to veterans and active-duty military personnel. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the available offers, eligibility requirements, and verification processes based on information from official sources and verified promotional listings.
The availability of these offers is subject to change and may vary by location. Veterans and service members are advised to verify details directly with the participating organization, as local franchises or outlets may have differing policies. Generally, offers require proof of military service, which can include a valid military ID, a Department of Defense (DoD) ID card, a Veterans Affairs (VA) medical card, a DD214 discharge document, or verification through an online service such as ID.me. Many offers are available for dine-in only and on November 11 only, unless otherwise specified. Some promotions are extended to immediate family members or are available to the general public, such as free admission to national parks.
Restaurant Free Meals and Discounts
A significant portion of Veterans Day freebies comes from the restaurant industry, with over 80 offers from restaurants providing free meals to veterans. These promotions are designed to thank service members for their dedication and sacrifice.
Major Restaurant Chains
Several national restaurant chains have confirmed Veterans Day free meal programs for 2024. These offers typically require the veteran or active-duty member to be present, provide proof of service, and dine in at a participating location.
- Applebee's: For the 17th consecutive year, Applebee's will offer veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and National Guard members a complimentary lunch or dinner on Veterans Day. Participants can choose from a select menu of popular entrees, including a Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, 6-ounce Top Sirloin, Chicken Tenders Platters, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, or Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. Veterans will also receive a $5 Bounce Back card for a future visit within a three-week redemption window.
- 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 is dine-in only and requires a valid military ID.
- Golden Corral: On Veterans Day from 4 p.m. until close, all active-duty military, retirees, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans will receive a free "thank you" buffet and beverage. Notably, no purchase or military ID is required to receive this free meal at participating locations.
- Red Lobster: To thank veterans, active-duty military, and reservists, Red Lobster is offering a free Veterans Shrimp & Chips meal on Monday, November 11. The meal consists of six Walt's Favorite Shrimp, served with cocktail sauce and ketchup, french fries, and coleslaw. This offer is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and requires a visit with proof of service.
- Red Robin: Veterans receive a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Veterans Day with a dine-in visit and proof of service.
- Ruby Tuesday: Veterans can get a free American Smashed Burger, Ruby’s Cheeseburger, or Garden Bar Salad with a dine-in visit and proof of service. The offer requires using the code HERO24 on November 11.
- Shane’s Rib Shack: Veterans are eligible for a free Pork or Chopped BBQ Chicken Plate with an in-store visit and proof of service on November 11.
- Shari’s: Veterans can receive a free homestyle breakfast with a dine-in visit and a valid ID on Veterans Day.
- Shoney’s Restaurants: Veterans may get a free Breakfast Fresh Food Bar or All-American Burger with a dine-in visit and proof of service.
- Sonny’s BBQ: Veterans can obtain a free Pork Big Deals meal with an online coupon, dine-in visit, and ID.me-verified proof of service on November 11.
- TCBY: Veterans receive a free 6 oz of Frozen Yogurt with a dine-in visit and proof of service.
- TGI Friday’s: Veterans get a free choice of a meal from a select menu with a dine-in visit and proof of service.
Additional Restaurant Offers
Other restaurants and food service providers are also participating with discounts or specific free items.
- Baskin-Robbins: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free scoop of ice cream on Veterans Day.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu.
- Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a select menu.
- Denny’s: Veterans and active-duty military get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. on November 11.
- Dunkin’: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free donut on Veterans Day.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Freddy’s Original Double Steakburger and a small custard. No purchase is necessary.
- Hooters: Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu with a drink purchase.
- IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Red, White & Blue Pancake Combo or other select menu items on Veterans Day.
- Krispy Kreme: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free donut and a small brewed coffee.
- Little Caesars: Veterans and active-duty military get a free lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11.
- McDonald’s: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free breakfast or lunch item at participating locations.
- Olive Garden: Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu.
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage. No purchase is necessary.
- Panera Bread: Veterans and active-duty military get a free pastry on Veterans Day.
- Pilot Flying J: Veterans get a free meal with an app, store visit, and verified proof of service via ID.me through November 11, 2024.
- Rainforest Cafe: Veterans receive 20% off their $40+ meals when they dine-in with a military ID on November 11.
- Starbucks: Veterans, active-duty military, and military spouses receive a free tall brewed coffee.
- Waffle House: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal.
- Wendy’s: Veterans and active-duty military get a free breakfast combo.
- Yogurtland: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free 5 oz cup of frozen yogurt.
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond restaurants, numerous retailers and service providers offer discounts or free services to veterans on and around Veterans Day.
Car Care and Automotive Services
Several automotive companies provide complimentary services or significant discounts for veterans.
- AutoNation: Veterans and active-duty military receive a 20% discount on all services at AutoNation-branded locations nationwide and via AutoNation Mobile Service from November 11–16, 2024.
- Delta Sonic: Veterans and active-duty service members save $30 on any oil change throughout 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: Veterans and active-duty military can get free tire, brake, battery, and fluid checks, plus 10% off tires.
- Jiffy Lube: Veterans and active-duty military receive a 15% discount on services.
- Meineke Car Care Centers: Veterans and active-duty military get a 15% discount on services.
- Midas: Veterans and active-duty military receive a 15% discount on services.
- Take 5 Oil Change: Veterans and active-duty military get a free oil change on Veterans Day.
- Valvoline Instant Oil Change: Veterans and active-duty military receive a 15% discount on services.
Travel and Lodging
Travel and hospitality companies also extend special offers to veterans.
- Armed Forces Vacation Club: The club offers Veterans Day with $299 Resort Vacation Certificates ($100 off) for members until November 21, 2024.
- 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 Veterans Day. Specific details are available on the program's website.
- National Park Service: All visitors can enter any National Park Service site for free on Veterans Day (November 11). Additionally, current U.S. military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Reserve, and National Guard members) and their dependents qualify for a free National Parks annual pass.
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Areas: Free entrance is available on November 11, 2024.
- U.S. National Forest Sites: Everyone receives free admission into U.S. National Forest sites in honor of Veterans Day on November 11, 2024.
Retail and Product Offers
Various retailers offer discounts on products or free items.
- 4Patriots: Veterans and active-duty military can receive its best-selling $29 72-Hour Survival Food Kit for free on November 11. Registration on the 4Patriots Veterans Day Celebration Event page is required on November 11 only.
- AARP: Special membership offers are available through AARP for veterans.
- Academy Sports + Outdoors: Veterans and active-duty military receive 10% off their entire purchase.
- Bass Pro Shops: Veterans and active-duty military get 10% off their purchase.
- Cabela’s: Veterans and active-duty military receive 10% off their purchase.
- Carhartt: Veterans and active-duty military get 10% off their purchase online and in-store.
- Home Depot: Veterans and active-duty military receive 10% off their purchase.
- Lowe’s: Veterans and active-duty military get 10% off their purchase.
- Target: Veterans and active-duty military receive 10% off their purchase.
- Under Armour: Veterans and active-duty military get 10% off their purchase online and in-store.
Free Veterans Day Deals for Everyone
Some Veterans Day deals are available to the general public, allowing everyone to participate in the commemoration.
- Free Entrance to U.S. National Parks: On November 11, 2024, all visitors can enter U.S. National Parks for free. This includes parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Great Smoky Mountains.
- Free Entrance to U.S. National Forest Sites: Similarly, all visitors can enter U.S. National Forest sites for free on November 11, 2024.
- Free Entrance to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Areas: These areas will be free for all visitors on Veterans Day.
Verification and Eligibility
Proof of military service is a common requirement for most Veterans Day offers. Accepted forms of verification typically include:
- Valid military ID card (CAC, DD Form 2, etc.)
- VA medical card
- DD214 discharge document
- Driver’s license with veteran designation
- Verification through online services like ID.me
Some offers, such as Golden Corral’s buffet, do not require a military ID, but most others do. It is crucial for veterans to check with individual establishments beforehand, as participation can vary by location, especially for franchises. Offers are generally valid for dine-in only and on November 11, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Some restaurants, like Applebee’s, provide additional benefits like bounce-back cards for future visits.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2024 presents a wide array of free meals, discounts, and complimentary services for veterans and active-duty military personnel across the United States. From national restaurant chains offering complimentary lunches and dinners to retailers providing significant discounts on products and services, these offers serve as a tangible expression of gratitude. The availability of free entrance to national parks and forests also allows the broader public to participate in the holiday's spirit. Veterans should prepare by gathering appropriate proof of service and verifying offer details with local participating locations, as terms and participation can vary. By taking advantage of these offers, veterans can enjoy a day of appreciation and community recognition for their service.