Veterans Day is a day to remember and thank military members for their service in the armed forces. As a military veteran, it always humbles me to see the thanks given by so many people on Veterans Day. Though none of us served for recognition, it is nice (and humbling) to be thanked for your service.
Many restaurants and retailers also offer veterans special discounts, or even free meals on Veterans Day. This is very generous on their part, and certainly something they don’t have to do. If you are a military veteran, I encourage you to participate in one or more of these events. These Veterans Day appreciation events are a great way to meet other veterans and show the restaurants and retailers you appreciate their generosity.
We recommend sharing this resource with any other Veterans you may know. You can also see a list of military discounts and more Veteran’s Day Meals and Discounts on our other site, The Military Wallet.
Free Meals on Veterans Day
Notes: Offers may vary by location; please call ahead or verify offer first, especially with franchises. Most offers require military ID or other proof of service, such as a veterans organization card (e.g. VFW, American Legion), or military discharge papers. Please see this list of Veterans Day Meals and Discounts for more information on days, times, and eligibility.
- Applebee’s – free meal, Sunday Nov. 11, 2012.
- Bar Louie – Free meal on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. 2012.
- Chili’s – free meal, Sunday Nov. 11, 2012
- Denny’s Free all you can eat pancakes from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Monday Nov. 12, 2012.
- Golden Corral – Free meal, Monday Nov. 12, 2012.
- Famous Dave’s – Sunday Nov. 11, 2012. Free or discounted meals on Veterans Day.
- Hooters – Free Meal, Sunday Nov. 11, 2012.
- McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – Free Meal, Sunday Nov. 11, 2012.
- Outback Steakhouse – A free Bloomin’ Onions and Cokes Nov. 11-12, 2012.
- Sizzler - Free Lunch, Monday Nov 12, 2012.
- Texas Roadhouse – free lunch, Monday Nov. 12, 2012 (11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.).
- T.G.I. Friday’s – Free Lunch, Monday Nov 12, 2012.
Veterans Day Discounts (retailers):
- Amazon.com – Free MP3 album download “Veterans Day Honor”
- Dollar General. 10% discount on entire purchase on Veteran’s Day.
- Free Car wash. Thousands of car washes around the country are offering vets a free car wash on Veterans Day. Find a list at Grace for Veterans, which helped veterans receive 101,537 FREE Washes on Veterans Day in 2011.
- Home Depot Military Discount – with proof of military service.
- Lowe’s Military Discount – with proof of military service. (more info on Home Depot and Lowe’s Military Discount)
- Seven-Eleven – Free small Slurpee on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 from 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sport Clips Discount – Veterans Day National cut-a-thon and Help A Hero program.
Veterans Day Events:
- Anheuser-Busch Parks. Free admission for servicemember and up to 3 dependents.
- Colonial Williamsburg Free Admission, Nov. 9-11, 2012.
- Fee Free Day at National Parks. Over 100 national Parks will be participating in this event November 10-12, 2012.
- Historic Jamestowne – Free Admission November 10-12.
- Knotts Berry Farm Military Tribute Days – Free Admission.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame – Free Admission Nov. 3, 2012.
- San Jacinto Monument and Museum (La Porte, TX), November 7-13.
My wife and I are both military veterans, and we went to McCormick & Schmick’s last year. This year Golden Corral and several other restaurants are offering the Veterans Day meal on a date other than Veterans Day. This gives military veterans an opportunity to take advantage of more than one meal at various restaurants if they so choose.
Please pass this info along if you know any military veterans, and thanks to all who have worn the uniform!
Photo credit: uscgpress
Related Articles:
- Where to Find Free and Inexpensive Flu Shots
- Free Summer Fun
- Winter Savings Reminders
- Hidden Costs of Taking a Cruise
- Budget Travel Tips from a Travel Pro
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
The free meals are an awesome way to help honor our vets.
I am an Operation Enduring Freedom veteran. I work in Norman, Oklahoma. This morning I called the Subway at 2339 W. Main Street (405-364-6555), and I spoke with the manager. I asked him what proof I needed to show I’m a veteran. The manager said I needed a coupon and an ID. He wouldn’t tell me where I could get the coupon, and I told him that many veterans only have their DD214 (not an ID) as proof of being a veteran. He told me (in so many words) that I was SOL. THIS IS SIMPLY A PR STUNT for his restaurant.
Why would restaurants like this require photo ID proof of being a veteran? It’s because they don’t even know the proof veterans have of being a veteran, and (I fear) they don’t really care. To many, this is simply a PR stunt to keep up with the competition. Once again, military people are getting used and abused.
Hi, Brock. I never tried Subway, but had the most awesome meal at Olive Garden here in Hanover, PA. To top it off, after the filling meal, my dessert came out slightly frozen, so they let me take it home and offered me another one to eat there. And then, even better, a printed Thank You card with a $10 gift certificate inside. Now that’s appreciation and I appreciate The Olive Garden. (p.s. The only I.D. I had was the DD214 and I think they probably would have believed me without showing it. Try a better restaurant next year.
Hope everyone had a happy Veterans Day. Just wanted to let you know that GM is continuing to celebrate Vets Day by extending their GM Military Discount to all military retirees for the month of November. If you or someone you know might be interested, go to General Motors ( GM ) Military Discount Program for more details on the program and savings. Thank you soldiers and vets for all you’ve done for our country.
Is there a way to get submitted to this list for next veterans day? I know so many businesses that would love to offer discounts to veterans.
To the Vet who didn’t have identification. Use your VA card if you have one and if you don’t just go the nearest VA Clinic or Hospital. Hope you have a great Veterans Day. Now for the “FORGOTTEN VETS OF THE VIETNAM WAR” we are still trying to get you medical and monetary compensation for “Agent Orange ” exposure in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Burma. I hope that the U.S. Legislators who were against us getting equal treatment were voted OUT. Presently only people who worked around the base perimeter are able to get benefits. My self and many others lived in barracks in Thailand located as close as 25 feet away from the perimeter and have “Agent Orange” related diseases. Happy Veterans Day to All’
Sincerely,
Rod
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to let vets have a day of anything free. Thank you for your log on page. From One Vet to another, thank you. You have no idea how this helps some vets. Peggy Barnett U.S.ARMY.
We stopped in a 7-11 in Oregon for the free slurpee (one veteran – one active duty, both with ID). We were turned away and told NO 7-11 in our area is paricipating. He acted as though we were trying to scam him for heaven’s sake.