Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a significant occasion in the United States dedicated to honoring military veterans and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces. In recognition of their service and sacrifice, numerous businesses and organizations across the nation offer special promotions, free products, and discounts. These offers span a wide range of categories, including food and beverage, travel, recreation, and retail. The following article provides a detailed overview of the verified freebies and discounts available during the 2018 Veterans Day period, based on information compiled from official announcements and promotional materials. Eligibility typically requires proof of military service, such as a valid military ID or other documentation, and offers are often subject to participation by specific locations.
The 2018 Veterans Day promotions were extensive, with many national restaurant chains providing complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty service members. For instance, Applebee’s offered a free full-size entree from a limited selection on November 11, 2018, at participating locations. The selection included items such as a Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, a 6 oz. USDA Select Top Sirloin, a Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Grilled Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. This promotion was available for dine-in customers who presented valid military identification.
Similarly, Buffalo Wild Wings provided veterans and active-duty military personnel with one free small order of traditional or boneless wings and a side of fries on November 11, 2018, at participating U.S. locations. This offer was valid for dine-in only. California Pizza Kitchen also participated by offering a complimentary entree from a special Veterans Day menu, which included pizza, salads, and pasta, to veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11, 2018, at participating locations. Proof of service, such as a military ID or uniform, was required.
Other notable restaurant promotions included: - Denny’s: Free "Build Your Own" Grand Slam for veterans and military personnel on November 12, 2018, from 5 AM to noon. - Dunkin': Free donut for veterans and active-duty military on November 11, 2018, at participating locations nationwide. - Fogo de Chao: 50% off the entire meal for veterans and active military from November 9 to 11, 2018, at all U.S. and Puerto Rico locations. Up to three guests also received a 10% discount. - Golden Corral: Free "Thank you" dinner for any active or former U.S. military members on Monday, November 12, 2018, from 5 PM to 9 PM. - IHOP: Free stack of three Red, White & Blue pancakes or a Red, White and Blue pancake combo for retired and active-duty military members between 7 AM and 7 PM on November 11, 2018, at participating IHOP restaurants. - Cracker Barrel: Free Crafted Coffee (iced or hot) or a slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake for veterans on November 11, 2018, at all Cracker Barrel locations. - Starbucks: Veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses could get one 12-ounce hot coffee on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at participating stores, with a limit of one per customer. - Romano’s Macaroni Grill: All veterans and active military could receive a free order of Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at all U.S. locations. - Chipotle: A buy-one-get-one deal on a burrito, bowl, salad, or order of tacos for active and retired military personnel from open to close on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11, 2018. - Furr's Fresh Buffet: Free meal and non-bottled beverage on Monday, November 12, 2018, for veterans, active, retired, and reserve military at participating locations, while supplies last.
Additional restaurant offers included: - Back Yard Burgers: Free ‘Classic Burger’ for military veterans with valid ID and active-duty servicemembers in uniform on Veterans Day 2018. - Bar Louie: Free flatbread or burger for veterans and active military on Sunday, November 11, 2018. - BJ’s Restaurant: Complimentary entree up to $12.95 plus a free Dr Pepper for service members on Veterans Day, with a military ID or proof of service. Current or retired military could also claim a free Pizookie®. - Bubba’s 33: Free lunch for veterans on Sunday, November 11, 2018, until 4 PM. - Cattlemens Steakhouse: Complimentary 8 oz steak for active, inactive, and retired military personnel on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018. - Connors Steak & Seafood: 50% off any dine-in lunch or dinner entree for veterans with military ID or in uniform on Sunday, November 11, and Monday, November 12, 2018. - Famous Dave’s: Free two-meat Combo for former and current military personnel on November 11 and 12, 2018. - Hooters: Free meal for dine-in customers with the purchase of any beverage on Sunday, November 11, 2018. - Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: Free meal for veterans on Veterans Day (November 11, 2018), with proof of service required. - Shane’s Rib Shack: Complimentary sandwich, regular side, and 20-oz beverage for military personnel and veterans at participating locations from November 8 through November 10, 2018. - Wild Wing Cafe: Veterans eat for free all day from select items on November 11, 2018, at participating locations. - World of Beer: Veterans received a free draught beer or $5 off their check on November 11, 2018. - Yard House: Veterans and active-duty military received a complimentary appetizer on November 11, 2018.
Some promotions extended beyond a single day. For example, Eat’n Park offered a special 10% discount for all active and former United States military personnel for the entire month of November 2018. Huddle House provided a free order of Sweet Cakes to all active military members and veterans with proper I.D. from November 9 through November 12, 2018. The Chop House and Connors Steak & Seafood offered 50% off any dine-in lunch or dinner entree for veterans with military ID or in uniform on both Sunday, November 11, and Monday, November 12, 2018. Boston Market ran a BOGO deal for military families from November 11 to 12, 2018, allowing them to buy one individual meal and drink and get a second meal for free, with a coupon available on BostonMarket.com.
In addition to food and beverage offers, several businesses provided discounts and freebies in the travel, recreation, and retail categories. For travel and recreation: - 9/11 Memorial and Museum: Veterans received free museum admission, and half-price tickets for up to two family members, from November 7 to 11, 2018. - Aquarium of the Pacific: Veterans and military personnel received free admission on November 11, 2018. - Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Areas: Day use fees were waived nationwide from November 11 to 12, 2018. - B&Bs for Vets: Complimentary rooms at inns were offered to veterans on or around November 11, 2018. - Birmingham Zoo: Veterans, active and retired military, and their dependents received free admission on November 11 and 12, 2018. - Boston Bruins: In conjunction with Military Appreciation Night on November 5, 2018, all military received a 20% discount at the ProShop and all GameDay ProShop locations. - Boston Duck Tours: Veterans and active military rode free from November 12 to 16, 2018. Dependents rode for $10 per person plus a 5% CCF surcharge. - Carnival Cruise Line: Offered special savings and bonuses to members of the U.S. and Canadian armed forces.
Other notable freebies and discounts included: - Huddle House: Free order of Sweet Cakes from November 9 to 12, 2018. - Shane’s Rib Shack: Complimentary sandwich, regular side, and 20-oz beverage from November 8 to 10, 2018. - Black Angus Steakhouse: $9.99 steak special (8-oz Certified Angus Beef Top Sirloin, mashed potatoes, broccoli with garlic butter, and a non-alcoholic beverage) on November 12, 2018.
It is important to note that many of these offers are valid only at participating locations and may require advance verification. For example, some promotions specify that customers should call ahead to confirm local participation and any additional requirements. Additionally, while some deals are available for a single day, others extend over a weekend or the entire month of November.
The eligibility for most Veterans Day freebies and discounts requires proof of military service. Acceptable documentation typically includes a valid military ID, a VA card, or other forms of identification. Some offers, such as those at Hooters, require the purchase of a beverage to receive a free meal. Others, like the BOGO deal at Boston Market, require a coupon that must be obtained in advance. Consumers are advised to review the specific terms and conditions for each offer, as restrictions may apply.
In summary, the 2018 Veterans Day period featured a wide array of freebies and discounts across multiple categories, primarily focused on food and beverage, but also extending to travel, recreation, and retail. These promotions served as a gesture of appreciation for military service, providing veterans and active-duty personnel with opportunities to enjoy complimentary meals, discounted services, and free admissions. The offers varied by business, location, and date, with most requiring proof of service and some requiring additional steps such as coupon redemption or beverage purchases. For consumers seeking to take advantage of these promotions, it is recommended to verify participation and requirements directly with the specific business or organization prior to visiting.