Veterans Day in the United States, observed annually on November 11, is a holiday dedicated to honoring and remembering those who have served in the armed forces. To express gratitude, a wide array of businesses across the nation offer special promotions, including free meals, discounted products, and exclusive services. These offers are typically extended to veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists, and members of the National Guard, with many also including their families. This guide compiles the verified deals and freebies available for Veterans Day 2025, focusing on the categories of food, retail, travel, and services. It is important to note that availability may vary by location, and most participating businesses require valid proof of military service. Customers are advised to confirm details with their local establishment before visiting.
Veterans Day Free Meals and Restaurant Deals
A significant portion of Veterans Day promotions come from the restaurant industry, with numerous national chains offering complimentary meals or special discounts to honor service members. These offers generally require proof of service, such as a military ID, VA benefits card, or DD-214 form.
Major Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals
Several well-known restaurants have confirmed free meal offerings for veterans and active-duty personnel. Applebee’s is providing a free full-size entrée from a special menu for those who dine in. The menu includes items such as the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger and 6 oz. options. Similarly, Chili’s is offering veterans and active military members a free meal from a selected menu featuring Chicken Crispers, Margarita Grilled Chicken, and Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas. Cracker Barrel is thanking veterans with a complimentary Pumpkin Pie Latte or Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake, and the Old Country Store will donate 10% of sales on select rocking chairs to the nonprofit Operation Homefront.
Denny’s is offering a Build Your Own Grand Slam deal to active, non-active, and retired military personnel from 5 a.m. to noon. Golden Corral hosts a Military Appreciation Night where anyone who has served in the military can receive a free “thank you” dinner. O’Charley’s is providing a free entrée from a limited menu that includes Chopped Steak, Low Country Shrimp, and Peach Chutney Chicken. IHOP is offering a free red, white, and blueberry pancake combo to veterans and active military members.
Free Coffee and Breakfast Items
Coffee and breakfast chains are also participating in Veterans Day celebrations. Wawa and Starbucks are both offering a free cup of coffee to veterans, active military members, and their families. Krispy Kreme is providing a free small coffee with a donut. Dunkin’ is giving a free donut of their choice to customers from the armed forces.
Other Food and Beverage Offers
Buffalo Wild Wings will offer 10 free boneless wings and fries to veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID on November 11, available for dine-in or walk-in only. Chipotle has a promotion where guests who order an entrée in-restaurant and present a valid military ID will receive a second entrée for free. This applies to Chipotle bowls, burritos, salads, and taco entrees and is available from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on November 11. Texas Roadhouse is offering a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher at participating locations, which can be redeemed in-restaurant or for carry-out through May 30, 2026.
Retail Discounts and Shopping Perks
Beyond food, various retailers offer discounts or free products to veterans and military members during the Veterans Day period.
Target’s Military Discount
Target is offering a 10% military discount to all active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. This discount is valid through November 11 and can be used on two separate transactions, either in-store or online. To use the discount, customers must obtain a coupon from Target’s website.
Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service provides various deals, including 10 cents off every gallon of gas at fuel locations.
Travel, Recreation, and Entertainment Discounts
Several travel and entertainment venues offer free admission or special pricing for veterans and military families around Veterans Day.
Free Museum and Memorial Admissions
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum offers free admission to active and retired U.S. military, veterans, Blue & Gold Star families from November 7 through 11 as part of its Salute to Service. The Harley-Davidson Museum provides free admission on November 11 to veterans and active-duty military personnel for themselves, one adult guest, and up to four children under 18 with a valid military ID. Colonial Williamsburg is offering free admission from November 7 through 11 to all active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen, and their immediate dependents.
National Parks
The National Park Service invites veterans and their families to enjoy free entrance at its more than 400 national parks on Veterans Day. It is important to note that the free entrance does not cover amenity fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, or tours.
Service and Product Offers
Some businesses provide free services or discounted products specifically for veterans.
Automotive Services
Goodyear Auto Service’s “Free Checks for Vets” program performs free checks on tires, brakes, alignment, shocks and struts, batteries, and wiper blades for active and retired military personnel. Additionally, they will provide free tire installation for any tire purchase.
Haircut Services
Great Clips gives a free haircut to veterans on Veterans Day. For those who do not need a haircut immediately, they also provide a free haircut card to be used at a later date.
Subscription Services
Amazon offers veterans and active military personnel a year of Amazon Prime for $79, which is a discount from the standard $119 price.
Eligibility and Proof of Service
To access most Veterans Day discounts and freebies, proof of military service is required. The most common forms of identification include: * A military ID card for active-duty members, reservists, members of the National Guard, and military retirees. * A VA benefits photo ID card for veterans who receive Department of Veterans Affairs health benefits. * A Veterans ID Card, which can be obtained from the VA for those without a VA benefits card. * Other documentation such as a DD-214 form may also be accepted.
It is recommended that veterans and service members carry one of these forms of identification when seeking Veterans Day offers. Furthermore, while many businesses plan to be open on Veterans Day, some may choose to close, so it is advisable to check ahead with local establishments.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 presents a broad spectrum of freebies and discounts from restaurants, retailers, travel destinations, and service providers across the United States. The offers range from complimentary meals at major chains like Applebee’s and Chili’s to free admission at museums and national parks, and discounted services like haircuts and automotive checks. Eligibility is generally extended to veterans, active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard members, often including their families. To ensure access to these offers, individuals should prepare valid proof of service and confirm details with local businesses, as participation and availability can vary by location. These promotions serve as a tangible expression of national gratitude for the service and sacrifice of military personnel.