Veterans Day 2016 saw a nationwide outpouring of gratitude from brands, restaurants, and retailers, offering a wide array of freebies, discounts, and special offers to honor military veterans, active duty personnel, and their families. These promotions were typically valid only on or around November 11, 2016, and often required proof of military service for eligibility. The offers spanned multiple categories, from complimentary meals at popular restaurants to discounts on retail goods, travel, and services. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the freebies and deals available during this period, based on aggregated information from promotional lists and community reports.
Restaurant and Dining Freebies
A significant portion of the 2016 Veterans Day freebies were concentrated in the restaurant industry, with numerous chains offering complimentary meals or specific menu items. Eligibility generally required being a veteran, active duty service member, or in some cases, retired or former U.S. military personnel. Proof of service, such as a military ID, VA card, or other official documentation, was commonly required.
- Applebee’s: Provided a complimentary meal on November 11, valid for dine-in only. The entrée selection was limited and could vary by location. Proof of military service was required.
- Denny’s: Offered a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast on November 11 from 5 a.m. to noon at all participating locations. Diners were required to show an ID to receive this offer.
- Golden Corral: Hosted a Military Appreciation Night on Monday, November 14, 2016, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. A free sit-down dinner was available for military veterans, retirees, active duty members, National Guard, and reserves. All were welcome to attend.
- Texas Roadhouse: Offered a free lunch on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The offer was valid for active duty, retired, or former U.S. military personnel.
- Bob Evans: Provided free meals to veterans from a special menu on November 11.
- Bonanza Steakhouses: Offered a free buffet for active duty and retired military on November 11.
- TGIFridays: Offered a free lunch on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for veterans and active duty military personnel.
- IHOP: Participating restaurants offered free Red, White, and Blue pancakes between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Veteran’s Day. Some locations also provided a combo of two eggs, hash browns, and a choice of two bacon strips or pork sausage links. This promotion was for retired and active duty military personnel.
- Hooters: Invited all veterans and current servicemen and women to a free meal from a select Veterans Day menu on November 11, 2016, by presenting a military ID or proof of service.
- 54th Street Grill: Offered a free entrée on November 11 for veterans.
- Arooga’s: Gave away free meals from a limited menu on November 11 for veterans.
- Bakers Square: Provided a complimentary breakfast from a set menu on November 11.
- Bar Louie: Offered a free appetizer or entrée to veterans and active military personnel.
- Ben’s Soft Pretzels: Veterans received a free Jumbo Soft Pretzel at participating locations on November 11.
- B.J.’s Restaurant: Active duty military and veterans received a complimentary entrée under $12.95 on November 11.
- Boston Market: Offered a free brownie or cookie with any purchase on November 11.
- Sticky Fingers: Veterans and active military personnel received a free pulled pork sandwich with baked beans and coleslaw all day on November 11.
- Tap House Grill: Provided a complimentary meal on November 11.
- Travel Centers of America: Military veterans who are CDL holders received a free meal with a beverage on November 11.
- Twin Peaks: Active duty and veterans received a free menu item from an Annual Veterans Day Appreciation Menu on November 11.
- Village Inn: Veterans and active military personnel received a free Inn-Credible V.I.B. Breakfast on November 11.
- White Castle: Veterans and all military members received a free combo meal on November 11.
- Wienerschnitzel: Veterans and active duty military received a free Chili Dog, small fries, and a 20 oz. drink on November 11.
- World of Beer: All veterans or current service members could get a free select draught beer on November 11.
- Yard House: Veterans and active duty military received a complimentary appetizer on November 11.
- Ikea: Veterans could enjoy a free entrée at Ikea locations.
Retail and Goods Discounts
Beyond dining, several retailers offered significant discounts on products and services. These deals often extended beyond a single day, providing a window for veterans and their families to save.
- Bed Bath & Beyond: U.S. Military and Veterans received a 20% discount from Thursday, November 10th through Sunday, November 13th.
- Cabela’s Hometown Heroes: Offered a 5% discount for Military Personnel (active and retired military, active reservists, and VA recipients) plus Law-Enforcement, Firefighters, and Emergency Medical Service personnel (EMS) with proof of service. Cabela’s hosted Hometown Heroes events.
- Amazon.com: Offered 20% off select apparel on Veterans Day using the promotion code “20veterans.”
- Army & Air Force Exchange Service: Provided Veterans Day deals on many items, including gift items starting on November 10.
- AARP: Offered up to a 30% membership discount for veterans, their families, and anyone interested in annual or multi-year memberships and renewals.
Service and Travel Offers
Special offers also extended to services and travel, providing unique experiences and cost-saving opportunities.
- Westgate Resorts: From 9 a.m. EST on November 11, the first 1,000 qualifying servicemembers who submitted the online military appreciation form and made a fully refundable $75 deposit were awarded a free three-day, two-night vacation for up to four individuals at Westgate Town Center from May 5-7, 2017.
- Army Corp of Engineers Recreation Areas: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers waived all day-use fees at more than 2,400 recreation areas nationwide. This waiver was available to all veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families. Only verbal confirmation of service was required.
- Haircut Services: Veterans could receive a complimentary haircut or a free haircut card, with redemptions valid until December 31.
Important Considerations for Participants
While the list of offers is extensive, participants were advised to verify details directly with the participating location, as terms could vary. For restaurant offers, it was commonly recommended to call ahead to confirm participation and understand specific ID requirements. Many deals were for dine-in only and from a limited menu. The requirement for proof of military service—such as a military ID, VA card, or other official documentation—was a standard condition across most promotions.
The 2016 Veterans Day promotions reflected a broad commitment from businesses to show appreciation for the military community. From a free meal at a local restaurant to a discount on home goods or a future vacation, these offers provided tangible benefits in honor of service and sacrifice.
Conclusion
The 2016 Veterans Day freebies and discounts offered a diverse range of benefits for U.S. veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families. The promotions spanned multiple sectors, with the restaurant industry providing the most concentrated set of complimentary meal offers on November 11. Retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond and Cabela’s offered substantial percentage discounts over a multi-day period, while service providers, including Westgate Resorts and the Army Corps of Engineers, presented unique travel and recreation opportunities. A common thread across these offers was the requirement for verification of military status, underscoring the targeted nature of these tributes. For eligible individuals, these promotions served as a practical and appreciated way for businesses to express gratitude for service to the country.