Veterans Day 2024 is a holiday dedicated to honoring and thanking all who have served honorably in the United States military.
Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11. Veterans Day evolved from Armistice Day, which was proclaimed in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson.
Armistice Day recognizes the end of World War I, when fighting ceased at the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918. (November 11th at 11 A.M, 1918).
Today is Veterans Day!
“A Legacy of Loyalty and Service”
Veterans Day is an U.S. national holiday which we appreciate, recognize and honor the military service and sacrifices of millions of current and past U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines.
Veterans Day is a day set aside to thank and honor all women and men who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime.
These remarkable women and men military veterans either volunteered or were drafted and whom took an oath to serve and protect the their country “against all enemies foreign and domestic”.
On this day and everyday, let’s be grateful and blessed as a nation that such women and men served, and many paid the ultimate sacrifice, to protect and defend the rights and freedoms of Americans.
One meaningful and simple way to express gratitude towards our veterans is by saying “thank you” for their invaluable service and contributions.
Acknowledging the service and sacrifices of veterans will mean a lot.
Let’s always be grateful for U.S. military veterans.
2024 Veterans Day discounts and complimentary meals
Here is the 2024 Veterans Day discounts and complimentary meals list. We will add more as we receive them.
Eleven: Veterans and active duty military members can get a free coffee or Big Gulp. Sign in or register with 7Rewards. Note, 7-Eleven stores are independently owned. Please inquire with your local store to see if they’re participating.
Another Broken Egg Cafe: Veterans and active duty service members can enjoy free patriot French toast combo and coffee on November 11 at participating locations. A valid ID is required. Dine-in only at participating cafes.
Applebee’s: Veterans and active duty military receive a free meal from a select menu on November 11 at participating locations. Dine-in only.
Aspen Creek Grill: On November 10-12 at 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Aspen Creek is offering a $15 meal voucher to all Veterans and active duty military.
Biscuit Belly: Veterans eat free on November 11 with choice of Bacon Egg & Cheese, Sausage Egg & Cheese, or Chicken Biscuit Sandwich and a hot drip coffee or fountain drink. All locations are participating, dine in only. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Black Angus: Veterans, active duty, first responders, health care workers and teachers can receive 15% off their dine-in order.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: On November 11, come to BJ’s and enjoy a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with no minimum food purchase. In following, receive a bonus reward coupon to use 11/12/2024 – 12/31/2024 for dine-in or take-out only for a free appetizer with no minimum food purchase.
Bob Evans: On November 11, Bob Evans will be offering a special menu of seven homestyle favorites available to Veterans and active duty military free at their local Bob Evans Restaurant.
Bonefish Grill: Active duty service members and Veterans get a complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage on November 11 with valid ID.
Bruegger’s Bagels: Veterans and active duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store on November 11.
Bubba Gump Shrimp: On November 11, Bubba Gump is honoring Veterans and active duty member by offering 20% off their meal when they dine-in.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active duty service members get a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries on November 11 with valid ID. Only available for dine-in. Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations will be included for walk-in/order at the counter only.
California Dreaming: On November 11, Veterans and active duty members can receive 50% off on any entrée. Select locations are participating. Inquire with your local restaurant.
California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active duty military members get a complimentary meal from a select menu on November 11. In following, all active duty service members and Veterans will receive a BOGO coupon to use for any pizza, pasta or salad redeemable between November 12 – 25. Please note, CPK is independently owned. Call your local restaurant for participation details.
Caribou Coffee: Veterans, active duty military members and their spouses with a valid ID receive a Small Hot Brewed Coffee of the Day or Cold Press, excluding nitro on November 11.
Carolina Ale House: Veterans and military members receive a free half rack rib platter with coleslaw and fries on Veterans Day. Only select locations are participating, inquire with your local restaurant.
Carrabba’s: Carrabba’s is offering a Heroes Discount of 10% discount with any visit to active duty members, Veterans, and first responders. Restrictions and requirements apply.
Casey’s Convenience Store: On November 11, Casey’s is showing appreciation to Veterans and active duty service members by offering a free, any size coffee or fountain drink.
Chick-Fil-A: On November 11, Veterans and active duty members can receive a breakfast chicken biscuit or lunch/dinner original chicken sandwich (select items). Proof of service required. Offer only valid at the following participating Metro D.C. Chick-fil-A Restaurants. Inquire with your local store to check if they are participating.
Chicken Salad Chick: On November 11, Veterans and active duty military (who come in uniform or present valid ID) can receive a free meal at all locations.
Cici’s Pizza: Veterans and active duty members receive a free adult buffet on Veterans Day. With a valid military ID, both active duty and retired service members are welcome.
Chili’s: Veterans and active duty military members get a free meal on November 11 at all participating restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items. Military ID required to redeem offer.
Cracker Barrel: On November 11, Veterans can enjoy a free slice of double fudge Coca-Cola cake with their meal. Special promotions run all month.
Denny’s: Veterans and active duty military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam on November 11 from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Must show valid Military ID or DD214.
Farmer Boys: On November 11, Veterans and active duty military personnel get a free Big Cheeseburger at participating locations. The offer is valid for dine-in only with proof of service and is limited to one per service member.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers: Veterans and active duty military personnel who visit participating locations on November 11 will receive a meal card valid for a free combo meal of their choice. Cards may be redeemed through Dec. 31, 2024.
Duffy’s Sports Grill: On November 11, Veterans and active duty members can receive a free meal up to $15 meal value between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., dine-in only. Valid Military or Veteran ID required, with 40% off meals year around.
Dunkin’: Veterans and active duty members, get a free donut of choice on November 11 at participating locations. Offer available in-store only.
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store on November 11.
Eureka!: Veterans and active duty members can receive any free burger on Veterans Day!
Freddy’s: Veterans and active military personnel can get a free original double with cheese combo meal card. This promotion can be redeemed until December 2024.
Gold Star Chili: On November 11, Veterans and active duty military get a complimentary meal of their choice (up to $12 off their order with proof of service). For dine-in, carry out or drive-thru.
Golden Corral: On November 11 at 5:00 p.m. to close, Golden Corral is hosting its Military Appreciation Night, including a free “thank you” meal.
The Greene Turtle: Veterans receive a free meal up to $15 with valid ID on November 11. Dine-in only.
Hacienda Mexican Restaurants: All U.S Veterans and active duty military may receive a free large Wet Burrito when they dine-in or carryout on November 11 for Veterans Day. Military ID or Veterans ID required.
Hard Rock Cafe: A free burger for active duty military and Veterans is available on Nov. 11, in addition to a 15% military discount for the entire group. Valid military ID or Veteran ID required.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar: November 11, active duty members and Veterans can receive a free classic burger in honor of their service. Dine-in only.
Hoss’s Steak & Sea house: Veterans and active duty military will receive free soup, salad, bread, nacho and dessert bar, and iced tea on Monday, November 11. Dine-in only.
In-N-Out Burger: On November 11, Veterans, active duty military, Reserve and National Guard receive a complimentary meal, including any burger, fries and beverage on In-N-Out Burger’s menu. Present proof of military service.
iHop: Free red, white and blueberry pancakes for Veterans and active duty military at participating locations. A valid military ID or proof of service is required, dine-in only. Limit one per guest.
Keel’s Farms: Veterans and active duty service members can select any entree from a specially prepared menu featuring delicious dishes. Pair any of these mouth-watering entrées with an adult beverage on the house.
Kolache Factory: Veterans and active duty military receive one free kolache (any kind) and one cup of freshly brewed Katz coffee (any size) on November 11, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. with valid ID. Offer excludes croissants, Polish varieties and espresso drinks.
Krispy Kreme: Free coffee and doughnut available at all locations to honor Veterans and active duty military.
Lazy Dog Restaurants: Veterans, whether active duty, discharged, retired or Reserve, will receive a free entrée on Veterans Day. The restaurant also is extending its weekend brunch hours for the holiday.
Little Caesars Pizza: On Veterans Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Veterans and active duty military can receive a free lunch combo. Proof of service is required. Participating locations only, inquire with your local store.
Logan’s Roadhouse: On November 11, Veterans and active duty service members can enjoy a complimentary meal at participating Logan’s locations, choosing from a special menu of fan favorites like cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, pork chops and more.
Max & Erma’s: On November 11, Max & Erma’s locations will offer Veterans and active duty military a free cheeseburger, endless fries, a fountain drink and a cookie.
McCormick & Schmick’s: On November 10, active duty service members, Veterans, Gold Star spouses and Gold Star parents can receive a half-priced entrée from a special at participating restaurants. The offer is for dine-in only. Inquire about participation at your local restaurant.
The Melting Pot: On November 11, the Melting Pot will offer Veterans a complimentary four-course meal with the purchase of another four-course meal. To receive the offer, Veterans must show military ID and the offer is limited to one complimentary meal per additional regular priced meal. The offer is not combinable with other promotions, specials or certificates. [Editor: This is the wording we received from The Melting Pot. Presumably, the restaurant means active duty service members with a military ID—and Veterans with a Veteran ID, since non-retired Veterans won’t have a military ID. Please check with your local restaurant to confirm prior to making plans.]
MOD Pizza: On November 11, all Veterans and active military personnel and their spouses get the all new Mega Cookie for free.
New York Prime: On November 11, Veterans and active duty military get 50% off any entrée at select restaurants in Atlanta, Florida and South Carolina. Inquire with your local restaurant about participation.
Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola for Veterans and active duty military. Dine-in and to-go orders valid.
On The Border: Veterans and current service members will receive a free Pick-2 Combo Meal. Dine-in only. Proof of service is required. Participating locations only.
Olive Garden: On November 11, Olive Garden is having a Veterans Day free meal for all active duty military and Veterans, including entrée from special menu paired with breadsticks and salad or soup.
Peet’s Coffee: Veterans get one free drip coffee or tea of any size on November 11. Valid only at participating Peet’s retail coffee bar locations.
Perkins: On November 11, Veterans and active duty members will receive a free Magnificent Seven Breakfast for Veterans Day.
Perry’s Steakhouse: Veterans and active military enjoy a complimentary pork chop dinner for dine-in when accompanied by a guest purchasing a dinner entrée. Dine-in only.
Polly’s Pies: Veterans and active duty service members can receive a free slice of pie on November 10-11. Military ID required, in-store only.
Red Lobster: On November 11, Veterans, active duty service members and Reservists can get a free shrimp and chips paired with french fries and coleslaw. Valid Military ID required. Offer is for dine-in only.
Red Robin: On November 11, Reb Robin is honoring Veterans and active duty service members by offering a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger served with bottomless fries. Dine-in only.
Rock & Brews: Active duty military and Veterans get complimentary Pulled Pork Sandwich or Strawberry Fields Salads on November 11. Dine-in only.
Shoney’s: Veterans and active duty service members will receive a free All-You-Care-To-Eat breakfast bar until 11:00 a.m. on November 11.
Sizzler: On November 11, Sizzler is honoring Veterans and active duty service members with a free meal choice of a Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken, or 6 oz Tri-Tip Steak entrée. Participating locations only; inquire with your local restaurant. Deal ends at 4:00 p.m.
Starbucks: Starbucks is showing its appreciation to Veterans, active duty service members and spouses by offering a free 12 oz drip coffee (hot or cold).
Sonic Drive-In: On November 11, Veterans and active duty service members can sip on half price shakes in any size and flavor, including both classic and master shakes.
Subway: Veterans and active duty service members can receive a free 6-inch sub or 10% discounted sub sandwich. Subway is independently owned. Inquire through your local store to see if participating in deals.
Texas Roadhouse: At participating locations, active duty military and Veterans can dine in or receive a free meal voucher on November 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a form of military ID. These vouchers do not expire until May 2025.
Ted’s Montana Grill: Veterans and active duty service members can receive 10% on meals during Veterans Day.
TGIFridays Restaurant & Cocktail Bar: Veterans and active duty military personnel get a free meal on November 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from a select menu.
TravelCenters of America: On November 11, active duty military, Veterans and Reservists can receive a complimentary meal at participating quick service and full-service restaurants nationwide.
Tuscan Kitchen: On Veterans Day, all Veterans can receive complimentary dining at any of the Massachusetts and New Hampshire locations.
White Castle: On November 11, White Castle is celebrating Veterans and active duty service members by offering a free meal combo. Dine-in only.
Wendy’s: On November 11, Veterans and active duty service members can receive a free small breakfast combo.
Yard House: Veterans and active duty service members will receive a complimentary appetizer on Veterans Day. Check with server for further details on selected items
Veterans Day 2023 occurs on Saturday, November 11
Veterans Day is a U.S. legal holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars. The day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.
In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as “the Great War.”
Commemorated in many countries as Armistice Day the following year, November 11th became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became known as Veterans Day.
As the nation prepares to observe Veterans Day this year, USAA hopes to challenge the nation to go beyond simple gratitude to create real, positive impacts in the veteran community.
A new survey sponsored by USAA reveals disparities between young military/veterans and their older counterparts in how they prefer to be recognized for their service.
In response to these findings, this Veterans Day, USAA is introducing a new campaign hosted that encourages Americans to “Go Beyond Thanks” to honor our military and veterans by going beyond simple gratitude to create real, positive impacts in the community this holiday and every day.
#GoBeyondThanks
Veterans Day 2022 is Friday, November 11.
Every year around Veterans Day, restaurants and businesses offer Veterans Day discounts, meals or other ways businesses and organizations want to give back to Veterans.
Veterans Day discounts, free meals and other programs are available to Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. Below are several offers:
The theme for Veterans Day 2022 is “Honor.” Veterans are proud of their military service in defending our Nation. Honor reflects the military value and tradition of answering the call to duty. There is distinct honor in serving to protect our way of life and the Constitution of the United States of America. We encourage artists to consider Veteran history of service to our Nation and the honor we owe them for fulfilling patriotic duties.
To honor and thank Veterans for giving so much in service to America and protecting the freedoms of others around the world, the Veterans Day National Committee hosts a Veterans Day observance each year on November 11 at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by Veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries.
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Veterans Day is a time to honor and to pay our respects to those who have served in the U.S. military.
Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, originally honored the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.'” As such, this holiday honored World War I veterans.
In 1954, after the country had been through both World War II and the Korean War, the holiday was changed to “Veterans Day” in order to account for all veterans in all wars.
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U.S. Navy named its newest aircraft carrier USS Doris Miller (CVN 81).
USS Doris Miller (CVN 81) will be the first aircraft carrier named for an enlisted Sailor and the first named for an African American.
A new @USNavy aircraft carrier will be named in honor of Petty Officer 2nd Class Doris Miller. It will be the first carrier named for an African-American or an enlisted sailor. @SECNAV made the announcement during the @JBPHH #MLK ceremony, Monday. #KnowYourMil pic.twitter.com/egFjFbLJYr
— DATSD Melanie Fonder Kaye (@DoD_Outreach) January 22, 2020
Most supercarriers are named for U.S. presidents — the USS John F. Kennedy. USS Ronald Reagan. USS Abraham Lincoln. Henry Kissinger called them “100,000 tons of diplomacy,” and that power has long been reflected in the Navy’s conventions for naming them.
Doris Miller, who went by “Dorie” in the Navy, was one of the first American heroes of World War II. He saved the lives of his USS West Virginia (BB 48) shipmates and then valiantly fought attacking Japanese forces during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor.
During the attack and as his battleship, the USS West Virginia, was sinking, he helped move his dying captain to better cover, then jumped behind an anti-aircraft gun and shot at Japanese planes until his ammunition was gone.
For his bravery, he was awarded the Navy Cross—the first African American to receive this honor.
The U.S. Navy plans to name an aircraft carrier after Doris Miller, the first black sailor to receive a Navy Cross for his bravery during Pearl Harborhttps://t.co/NA13gv2pZX
— The New York Times (@nytimes) January 18, 2020
Almost two years after his valor at Pearl Harbor, Miller loss his life when the ship he was assigned was sunk during battle.
For more information: https://www.npr.org/2020/09/29/917816651/a-military-first-a-supercarrier-is-named-after-an-african-american-sailor
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Veterans Day 2020 is on Wednesday, November 11th, 2020.
Veterans Day 2020 freebies, deals and discounts are sure to bring a little joy to someone who protected the freedoms and ideal we hold so dear.
Some Veterans Day deals are subject to change and that individual locations’ participation may vary; valid ID is required for most deals and that some, but not all, are also open to active duty military as well.
The full list of military discounts has you covered. If you’re looking for a well-deserved meal, this list of restaurants offering free meals for veterans is just what you’re looking for. Restaurants including Applebees, Chilis, Red Robin, Friendly’s and Buffalo Wild Wings are just a few of the places offering Veterans Day meals, while you can find other 2020 Veterans Day deals and great freebies at places like Starbucks and Red Lobster.
Veterans Day discounts and meals are ways businesses and organizations give back to Veterans. These Veterans Day discounts, free meals and other programs are being shared so that Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors are aware of all what available to them.
Due to COVID-19, some organizations are now offering discounts to Veterans all the time instead of their regular Veterans Day discounts. These adjustments help Veterans take advantage of the discounts offered while avoiding the usual Veterans Day crowds.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral will hand out free meal and beverage cards to all active duty and veterans from Nov. 1-30. The card will be valid for use once from Nov. 1, 2020 through May 31. 2021 for lunch or dinner, Monday through Thursday
Veteran Identification Card (VIC)
Veterans can benefit from discounted goods and services with the Veteran ID Card (VIC), even if they are not yet enrolled in VA. Veterans only need to carry the wallet-sized VIC as proof of Veteran status, rather than other documentation, such as their DD-214 form. VA can also connect VIC-holding Veterans to other benefits and services for which they may be eligible. Apply for the VIC now!
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