Memorial Day serves as a significant occasion for brands and organizations across the United States to express gratitude to military personnel, veterans, and their families. The provided source data outlines a variety of complimentary offers, discounted services, and special events available during Memorial Day weekend and throughout Military Appreciation Month. These gestures range from free meals and retail discounts to complimentary admission to cultural institutions and recreational venues. The offers detailed below are specifically targeted toward active-duty military members, veterans, and their dependents, with eligibility requirements varying by establishment.
The scope of these promotions includes dining establishments, retail stores, home improvement centers, entertainment venues, and museums. While many offers are available exclusively to those with valid military identification, others extend benefits to the entire family or require participation in specific loyalty programs. The following summary categorizes these opportunities to assist eligible individuals in navigating the available options for Memorial Day 2025.
Dining and Restaurant Offers
A significant portion of Memorial Day appreciation is expressed through complimentary meals and dining discounts. Several national and regional restaurant chains have confirmed specific offers for veterans and active-duty personnel.
Complimentary Meals: * Logan’s Roadhouse: Active duty personnel and veterans are eligible for a complimentary meal. * McCormick & Schmick’s: This establishment offers a free entree to veterans, active duty personnel, and Goldstar honorees. * Perkins: Veterans can receive a complimentary Magnificent Seven meal. * Hooters: Veterans and active duty personnel may enjoy a free entree. * Mission BBQ: Starting on May 12, 2025, active-duty service members and veterans can enjoy a free sandwich. The offer is designated by branch: Army on May 12, Marine Corps on May 13, Navy on May 14, Air Force and Space Force on May 15, Coast Guard on May 16, and all branches on May 17. * Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: When dining with a veteran, active-duty service member, or Gold Star family, their entree is provided free of charge. The value of the free meal is equal to or less than the cost of the meal purchased by the accompanying diner. * GrillSmith: Active, non-active, and retired military service members can enjoy a complimentary appetizer with a valid military ID on May 17, 2025. The offer is valid for any starter priced at $22 or less, with one offer per identification. * LaMar’s Donuts: A free donut and coffee are available in honor of Memorial Day.
Discounts: * Joe’s Crab Shack: A 15% discount is available for all active military members on Memorial Day.
Retail and Service Discounts
Numerous retailers and service providers offer percentage-based discounts to military members and veterans. These offers often apply to specific categories such as clothing, home improvement, and eyewear.
Apparel and Accessories: * Levi’s: A 15% discount is available on all Levi’s apparel. * Converse: A 15% discount applies to all active, reservist, veteran, and retired US Military personnel, as well as their spouses and dependents. * Kipling: Military members receive an extra 15% off sitewide and 10% off in Outlet Stores (limited time only). * Maurices: A 10% discount is available online and in-store for Active duty, Retiree Veteran, Reserve, National Guard, and Dependents. * L.L. Bean: A special 10% discount is offered for past and current service members. * Glik’s: A 10% discount is available with a valid military ID.
Home Improvement and General Merchandise: * Lowe’s: A 10% discount is available to active-duty military and veterans. * Kohl’s: Military, veterans, and their families receive 15% off every Monday for Military Mondays (in-store only). * Michaels: A 15% discount is available, including on sale items, though some exclusions apply. A valid military ID is required. * Discount Tire: Active Duty, Veterans, and Reserves can receive 5% off their purchase. * Ace Hardware: A free flag giveaway occurred on May 27th (context implies a past event for 2023, though the brand is listed as a participating entity).
Eyewear and Health: * LensCrafters: Veterans and active military receive 20% off frames. * CVS: A 20% discount is available online for those signed up for the Veterans Advantage Card.
Technology and Services: * Dell: A 5% discount is available for Military during May. * MLB.TV: Active-duty military and veterans can receive a discount of up to 35% off through a partnership with GovX.
Entertainment and Travel
Travel and entertainment venues often provide free admission or significant discounts to military families during the holiday weekend.
Theme Parks and Attractions: * Busch Gardens, Sea World, and Sesame Place: Military members are eligible for free admission tickets and discounts. * Carowinds: During Military Appreciation Days (May 23-26), free tickets are available for Military personnel at the front gate. Additionally, a 50% discount is offered online for up to 6 tickets for family and friends. * Cedar Point: Discounted tickets are available for Military Appreciation Days from May 23-26. * Colonial Williamsburg: Complimentary admission is offered once per year during either Memorial Day weekend or Veterans Day weekend to active-duty military, Reservists, National Guard members, retired military, and veterans, along with up to three direct dependents.
Museums and Cultural Sites: * Blue Star Museums: Active-duty military members and their families can enjoy free museum admission at over 2,000 participating museums across the U.S. * National Parks: Military members and their dependents can obtain a free annual pass to explore National Parks.
Family and Craft Activities
In addition to dining and travel, some brands offer creative activities for families.
- Michael’s: The store hosted a free red, white, and blue clay pots craft event for Memorial Day.
- Crayola: Free Memorial Day-themed coloring pages are available for download.
Photo and Memorabilia Offers
- JCPenney: Military families could receive a free 8x10 photo at JCPenney as a Memorial Day gesture.
Conclusion
The landscape of Memorial Day offers for veterans and military members is diverse, covering essential retail needs, dining experiences, and family entertainment. The primary requirement for accessing most of these benefits is valid military identification. While the majority of offers are concentrated around the Memorial Day weekend (May 23-26, 2025), some extend throughout May, which is designated as Military Appreciation Month. Consumers are advised to verify specific terms and conditions, such as "one per valid identification" restrictions and enrollment requirements for loyalty programs, directly with the participating brands.