Veterans Day 2016 saw a nationwide effort by businesses to honor military personnel, veterans, and their families through a variety of complimentary meals, retail discounts, and service-based freebies. The promotions were primarily valid on November 11, 2016, with some offers extending to surrounding dates. Most participating establishments required proof of military service, such as a military ID, and consumers were advised to call ahead to confirm participation at specific locations, particularly for independently owned franchises.
The freebies and discounts spanned multiple categories, including food and beverage, retail, automotive, personal care, and entertainment. Eligibility typically extended to active duty military personnel, veterans, and sometimes retirees and reserves. Verification methods varied, with military ID being the most common requirement, though some locations accepted alternative proof like wearing a uniform or presenting a veteran organization membership card. For certain offers, such as online-only admission to theme parks, pre-registration and online verification were necessary.
Free Meals and Restaurant Offers
A significant number of national restaurant chains provided complimentary meals or specific menu items to veterans and active duty service members on November 11, 2016. These offers were generally valid for dine-in service only and required proof of service.
- Applebee’s: Offered free meals to veterans and active duty military at participating restaurants for dine-in only. Entrée selection varied by location, and proof of military service was required.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Provided a free entrée valued at $12.95 or under to veterans and active duty military, requiring military ID or proof of service. The restaurant also offered $5 craft beers for patrons aged 21 and older.
- Black Angus Steakhouse: Covered a free top sirloin steak dinner for veterans, which included mashed potatoes, broccoli, and sweet molasses bread.
- IHOP: Select locations offered a combo of two eggs, hash browns, and a choice of two bacon strips or pork sausage links as part of the Red, White & Blue Pancake promotion for retired and active duty military personnel.
- IKEA: Veterans could enjoy a free entrée upon showing some form of military ID.
- Krispy Kreme: Provided a free doughnut and small coffee to anyone who identified as a veteran or active military personnel, with no ID required.
- Krystal: Offered a complimentary sausage biscuit to all active and retired military personnel.
- LongHorn Steakhouse: Offered a free appetizer or dessert to anyone showing proof of military service, with no purchase required. Guests dining with veterans on November 11 received a 10% discount.
- O’Charley’s: Honored the military by offering veterans and active duty service members a free meal at any location on November 11th.
- Red Lobster: Offered a free appetizer or dessert from a select Veterans Day menu to veterans, active duty military, and reservists who showed a valid military ID on November 10th and 11th.
- Red Robin: Provided all veterans and active duty military with a free dine-in Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Veterans Day, November 11, 2016.
- Ruby Tuesday: On November 11, 2016, veterans, active duty, and reservists (with proof of service) could receive one free appetizer up to $10 in value.
- Ryan’s: Offered a free buffet and drink for all veterans and active duty military on November 11, 2016.
- Shoney’s: Offered a Shoney’s All-American Burger to all Veterans and Active Duty Military members on Veterans Day.
- Sizzler: Provided a free lunch and beverage to honor United States veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, 2016.
- Texas De Brazil: Offered 50% off the regular dinner price for veterans and active duty military plus one guest from Monday, November 7th through Friday, November 11th. A 20% discount was available for up to six additional guests.
- Texas Roadhouse: Allowed veterans to select from a free special veterans lunch menu including a beverage and sides.
- Texas Steakhouse & Saloon: Provided all veteran and active duty personnel with a complimentary meal from a select menu on Friday, November 11, 2016.
Retail and Service-Based Discounts
Beyond restaurants, numerous retailers and service providers offered discounts and complimentary services to military members.
- AARP: Offered up to a 30% membership discount for veterans, their families, and anyone interested in annual or multi-year memberships and renewals.
- Amazon.com: Provided 20% off select apparel on Veterans Day using the promotion code “20veterans.”
- Army & Air Force Exchange Service: Featured Veterans Day deals on many items, including gift items starting on November 10.
- Army Corp of Engineers Recreation Areas: Waived all day use fees at more than 2,400 recreation areas nationwide for all veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families. Only verbal confirmation of service was required.
- Bed Bath & Beyond: Offered U.S. Military and Veterans 20% off from Thursday, November 10th through Sunday, November 13th.
- Cabela’s Hometown Heroes: Provided 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 also hosted Hometown Heroes events and offered a military discount of 15% off the total check for military members and their families.
- Dashlane: Offered a free 1-year subscription to Dashlane Premium for veterans and active duty military. Sign-up was available at Dashlane.com/Veterans.
- Goo-Goo Express Wash: On behalf of the Grace for Vets Foundation, both Goo-Goo Express Wash locations offered a free $7 wash to veterans and active duty service members on Thursday, November 10, 2016.
- Marco’s Pizza: Hosted free pizza parties for military veterans at local VFW posts, VA hospitals, and American Legions nationwide. Certain pizza boxes contained certificates for special surprise gifts, such as wheelchair ramps, medical bill assistance, or plane tickets to visit family.
- Meineke: Offered a free oil change on Veterans Day. However, it was noted that many Meineke locations are independently owned and may not participate, so calling ahead was recommended.
- Sport Clips: Offered a free haircut for active-duty military and veterans on November 11 with military ID.
- Turtle Wax Car Wash: In the past, they have offered free car washes on Veterans Day. It was suggested they would likely do so again in 2016, but calling to verify was recommended.
- UFC Gym: Offered free gym use from November 11 to November (date not specified in the source data).
Attractions and Events
Several museums and theme parks provided free admission or special events for veterans and their families.
- Knott's Berry Farm: All U.S. veterans, retired and active military personnel and a guest received free admission.
- SeaWorld San Diego: Through the Waves of Honor Veterans Salute, military veterans (and up to 3 guests) received free single-day admission into SeaWorld San Diego. This offer was online only with a valid ID and could not be redeemed at the park's front gate. The offer was available for use until December 31, 2016.
- USS Midway Museum: On November 11, active duty and veteran military members and their families enjoyed free admission. A Veterans Day celebration took place at the museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Eligibility and Verification
Most offers were extended to active duty military personnel, veterans, and sometimes retirees and reserves. Documentation requirements varied by establishment:
- Military ID: The most common form of verification requested.
- Proof of Service: Some locations accepted other forms of proof, such as wearing a uniform or presenting a veteran organization membership card.
- Uniform: Wearing a military uniform was often accepted in lieu of an ID.
- Online Verification: Some offers, such as the SeaWorld Salute, required online registration and verification before visiting the venue.
- Participating Locations: Many offers were valid only at participating locations. Consumers were advised to call ahead to confirm that a specific location was honoring the promotion, particularly for independently owned franchises like Meineke and some restaurant chains.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2016 featured a diverse selection of freebies and discounts for military members. The promotions ranged from complimentary meals at major restaurant chains to free haircuts, oil changes, and admission to theme parks and museums. While the majority of offers were valid specifically on November 11, 2016, some extended into the surrounding days or offered redeemable cards for future use. The key takeaway for consumers was the importance of verifying participation and identification requirements directly with individual locations, especially for franchise-based businesses, to ensure a smooth experience.