Veterans Day 2024, observed on Monday, November 11, serves as a national moment of recognition for U.S. veterans and active-duty service members. Across the country, numerous businesses and organizations extend their gratitude through a variety of free products, discounted services, and complimentary meals. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the verified offers available for 2024, detailing eligibility requirements, redemption processes, and the scope of participating brands. The information is compiled from official announcements, brand websites, and verified promotional listings to ensure accuracy for U.S. consumers, including veterans, military families, and deal seekers.
Veterans Day offers typically require proof of service, such as a valid military ID, DD-214, or verification through a digital service like ID.me. Participation can vary by location, and many offers are valid only on November 11, 2024, though some extend through a weekend or the entire month. Consumers are advised to confirm details with their local outlets before attempting to redeem an offer. The following sections categorize the available freebies and discounts across food, entertainment, retail, and outdoor recreation.
Food and Beverage Freebies and Discounts
A significant portion of Veterans Day celebrations involves complimentary meals and food-related discounts from national restaurant chains. These offers are typically available for dine-in service on November 11, 2024, and require proof of military service.
- Applebee’s: The restaurant chain offers a free meal from a select menu to all veterans and active-duty service members on November 11 at participating locations. A valid military ID is required.
- 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 valid for dine-in only and requires a valid ID.
- Red Lobster: Veterans can receive a free Veterans Shrimp & Chips meal on November 11, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a visit and proof of service.
- Red Robin: Veterans are eligible for a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on November 11 with a dine-in visit and proof of service.
- Ruby Tuesday: Veterans can redeem a free American Smashed Burger, Ruby’s Cheeseburger, or Garden Bar Salad on November 11. This requires a dine-in visit, proof of service, and the code HERO24.
- Shoney’s Restaurants: Veterans receive a free Breakfast Fresh Food Bar or All-American Burger on November 11 with a dine-in visit and proof of service.
- Sonny’s BBQ: Veterans can get a free Pork Big Deal on November 11. This requires an online coupon, a dine-in visit, and ID.me-verified proof of service.
- Pilot Flying J: Veterans can 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: Veterans receive a 50% discount on a regular entrée on November 11 with a military ID.
- Rainforest Cafe: Veterans dining in on November 11 can receive a 20% discount on meals totaling $40 or more with a military ID.
- Shane’s Rib Shack: Veterans are eligible for a free Pork or Chopped BBQ Chicken Plate on November 11 with an in-store visit and proof of service.
- Shari’s: Veterans can enjoy a free homestyle breakfast on November 11 with a dine-in visit and a valid ID.
- TCBY: Veterans can receive a free 6 oz serving of Frozen Yogurt on November 11 with a dine-in visit and proof of service.
- TGI Friday’s: Veterans can choose a free meal from a select menu on November 11 with a dine-in visit and proof of service.
- 4Patriots: This emergency preparedness provider is offering its best-selling 72-hour survival food kit for free to all veterans and active-duty service members. To receive the kit, veterans and active military must register on the 4Patriots Veterans Day Celebration Event page on November 11 only.
Retail and Service Discounts
Several retailers and service providers extend discounts to military personnel, with some offers being one-day specials and others ongoing.
- Dollar General: For Veterans Day 2024, Dollar General is offering a 20% discount on qualifying in-store purchases to verified active military and veterans from November 9-12. This is in addition to its ongoing 11% discount for military communities on the second Wednesday of each month.
- Food Lion: On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members can save 10% on their in-store shopping purchase total before taxes. This offer excludes alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery, pharmacy, postage stamps, and services. A military ID must be shown, and the MVP Card must be used at checkout.
- Publix: Veterans, active-duty military, and their families receive a 10% discount off purchases on November 11, 2024. Exceptions may apply, and proper identification is required.
- Grace for Vets: This international car wash program offers free car washes to veterans and service members on November 11, 2024. Participating car washes around the world join this program, and over 3.8 million free car washes have been given to date.
- AMC Theatres: AMC Theatres honors U.S. service members with special military ticket pricing every day, allowing guests to save up to $1.50 per ticket with a valid military ID. Service members can also use easy-to-use touch screen kiosks to receive their military discount and show their ID when the ticket is scanned.
- Dave & Buster’s: Veterans can receive a free entrée (up to a $20 value) and a free $10 Power Card on November 11, 2024, with a valid veterans ID card. Dave & Buster’s also has an everyday military discount program.
- SeaWorld San Antonio: SeaWorld San Antonio offers the Waves of Honor Military Discount, allowing veterans to save 30% on a single-day admission ticket when purchased online. Additionally, the Waves of Honor program provides complimentary admission permits for any U.S. active-duty military, activated or drilling reservist, National Guardsman, and up to three direct dependents to one complimentary admission per year to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, or Sesame Place. SeaWorld San Diego extends free admission via Waves of Honor for Veterans through Veterans Day.
Entertainment, Recreation, and Travel Offers
Various attractions, including zoos, museums, and national parks, offer free or discounted admission for veterans and their families during the Veterans Day period.
- Zoos and Museums:
- San Antonio Zoo: Active duty, retired, veteran members of the military, National Guard, and Reserves presenting a valid military ID receive free general admission for themselves and 50% off general admission for up to four guests during the month of November 2024.
- 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.
- 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.
- Des Moines Botanical Garden: Veterans receive free admission on November 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- National Parks and Federal Lands:
- US National Parks: Everyone receives free admission into US National Parks in honor of Veterans Day on November 11, 2024. Additionally, 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 receives free admission into US 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.
- Tours and Other Attractions:
- Old Town Trolley Tours: In select cities (St. Augustine, Nashville, and San Diego), free tours will be offered in honor of Veterans Day on November 11, 2024, to all veterans and active-duty service members.
- Discovery Cove: Veterans can enjoy a day at Discovery Cove with all-inclusive amenities and access to The Grand Reef, Freshwater Oasis, Explorer’s Aviary, and Serenity Bay.
Important Considerations for Redeeming Offers
When seeking to redeem Veterans Day offers, several key factors should be considered to ensure a smooth experience.
Proof of Service: The most critical requirement is proof of military service. Acceptable forms typically include a valid military ID card, a Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC), a Uniformed Services ID Card, a Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC), or a DD-214 discharge document. Some offers, like those from Pilot Flying J and Sonny’s BBQ, utilize ID.me for digital verification. It is essential to have the appropriate documentation readily available.
Participation and Location Variability: Offers are often valid only at participating locations. National chains may have franchisees or individual locations that choose not to participate in a promotion. The provided sources consistently advise consumers to "double-check with your local outlets to make sure they are participating in the offer listed." This step is crucial to avoid disappointment.
Offer Exclusions and Limitations: Many discounts and freebies come with specific exclusions. For example, the Food Lion 10% discount excludes alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, and services. Free meal offers at restaurants are usually limited to select menu items and may be available only during specific hours, such as Red Lobster’s offer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some offers, like the Ruby Tuesday deal, require a promo code (HERO24) for redemption.
Year-Round Military Discounts: While Veterans Day is a focal point for special offers, many businesses provide ongoing discounts to military personnel throughout the year. AMC Theatres offers daily military pricing, and Dollar General provides an 11% discount on the second Wednesday of each month. It is beneficial for veterans and active-duty members to inquire about year-round programs at their frequented establishments.
Sponsored Content and Affiliate Links: When sourcing information from deal blogs or promotional sites, it is important to note that some listings may be sponsored or contain affiliate links. For instance, the MilitaryBridge website discloses that some listings are sponsored and may generate a small commission. While this does not necessarily invalidate the information, consumers should verify offers directly with the brand’s official website or customer service when possible.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2024 offers a wide array of free products, discounted services, and complimentary meals to honor the service of U.S. veterans and active-duty military members. The available offers span multiple categories, including food and beverage, retail, entertainment, and outdoor recreation. Key national chains like Applebee’s, Red Lobster, and AMC Theatres have confirmed participation, alongside specialized offers from providers like 4Patriots and Grace for Vets. Eligibility universally requires proof of military service, and offers are frequently subject to location-specific participation and time limitations. To maximize the benefits of these programs, consumers are advised to verify offer details with local businesses, ensure they have the necessary identification, and be aware of any exclusions or required steps for redemption. This comprehensive list, derived from verified 2024 announcements, serves as a guide for veterans and their families seeking to partake in the nationwide expressions of gratitude.