Complete Guide To Veterans Day 2024 Free Meals Discounts And Special Offers

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, provides an opportunity for Americans to honor those who have served in the military. In addition to ceremonies and events across the country, many businesses show their appreciation by offering free meals, discounts, and special promotions to veterans and active-duty service members. This comprehensive guide details the various freebies and discounts available for Veterans Day 2024, based on verified information from multiple sources. The offerings span across numerous categories including dining, retail, automotive services, and entertainment.

Restaurant Free Meals and Discounts

Restaurants have traditionally been among the most generous participants in Veterans Day appreciation events, with many offering complimentary meals to those who have served. These offers typically require proof of military service, which may include a military ID, DD 214 form, or driver's license with a veteran designation.

Chain Restaurant Offers

Many national restaurant chains participate in Veterans Day celebrations with free meals or significant discounts:

• On The Border: Provides a free Pick-2 Combo meal on November 11 to those presenting a valid military ID or proof of service. This offer is available all day at participating locations but is limited to dine-in service only.

• Parry's Pizza: From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Veterans Day, offers a free full-sized entree and fountain drink to all veterans from a special Veterans' menu. The offer is applicable for dine-in only at all locations.

• Peet's Coffee: On November 11, veterans can enjoy a free drip coffee or tea of any size at participating locations. The offer is limited to one per transaction with military ID and is for in-store purchases only, excluding online, airport, and licensed locations.

• Red Robin: Offers veterans and active-duty military a free Red's Tavern Double burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Veterans Day. This offer is available across the chain's 546 locations in 44 states but is only valid on Veterans Day itself.

• Rock & Brews: Celebrates Veterans Day by offering free pulled pork sandwiches or strawberry fields salads to active-duty military, veterans, and first responders. The offer is valid at participating locations only.

• 54th Street Grill & Bar: Provides a $10 discount on any entrée to veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day. Customers must dine in, provide proof of service, and mention the discount code "Veterans Day." The offer cannot be mixed with other discounts.

• Another Broken Egg Cafe: Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy a free Patriot French Toast topped with strawberries, blueberries, and fresh whipped cream, plus a Barista House Blend Coffee on November 11. This offer is dine-in only and requires a valid Military ID.

• Aroma Joe's Coffee: Honors veterans by offering a FREE 24oz. hot or iced drink. Veterans simply need to present a military ID to receive this offer.

• Aspen Creek Grill: Offers a free $15 meal voucher to veterans and active-duty military who visit on November 11 between 11 a.m.–6 p.m. The voucher is valid for dine-in use through December 24.

• Bagger Dave's: On November 11, veterans can enjoy a free Great American Cheeseburger and fries. The offer is open to active, non-active, reservists, and retired military members with proof of military ID. Valid for dine-in only at all locations.

• Dave & Buster's: Offering veterans and active military a free entree up to $20 and a $10 Power Card. Additionally, they can receive 15% off all food and beverage purchases every day, all year round.

• Denny's: Veterans can enjoy a free "Build your Own Grand Slam" from 5 a.m. to noon with a valid military ID or DD 214. This is only available at participating locations, so customers should call ahead.

• Dunkin': Veterans and active-duty military service members will receive a free donut of choice at participating locations on November 11. No purchase is necessary, but the offer is available in-store only and not available for mobile orders or orders placed in the app.

• Firehouse Subs: Veterans and active-duty military can visit any Firehouse Subs location for a free combo, including a medium sub, chips or a cookie, and a drink.

• Friendly's: From 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on November 11th, will be offering Veterans a free meal. Veterans get a free All-American Cheeseburger and drink of choice with an active Military ID.

• Golden Corral: The restaurant buffet is showing its appreciation with its annual Military Appreciation Night on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, from 4 p.m. to close. Active members and veterans will receive a free "thank you" buffet and beverage.

• Applebee's: Veteran and active-duty military receive a free meal from a select menu on November 11 at participating locations. Dine-in only.

• 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.

• Bombshells Restaurant and Bar: Offering free entrees on November 11 to military veterans at all locations in Texas and Colorado. Active-duty military will receive a 20% discount on all menu items. Alcoholic beverages are excluded from all discount programs.

• 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.

• Tijuana Flats: Invites veterans to enjoy a free entrée (up to $11.19) with the purchase of a beverage on November 11. Limit one use per check. Not valid with other offers; exclusions apply.

Regional Restaurant Offers

Many regional and local restaurants also participate in Veterans Day appreciation:

• Atlas Restaurant Group: Spanning Maryland and Texas, this group gives active-duty military and veterans a 50% discount on Veterans Day. The offer covers all locations, including Baltimore, Houston, and Boca Raton. The discount applies with proof of service on November 11.

• Bush's Chicken: The Texas-based chain offers a free individual value meal to all veterans on Veterans Day. This deal is exclusively available on Veterans Day to all veterans.

• Dairi-O: A fresh-food restaurant chain in North Carolina, offers a free regular combo meal to all veterans and active duty military members on Veterans Day. Known for its diverse menu that includes hand-pressed burgers and healthy options.

• DeFelice Bros. Pizza: An Ohio-based pizza restaurant that offers Veterans Day discounts, though specific details were not fully provided in the source material.

Retail and Product Discounts

Beyond food, many retailers offer special promotions and discounts for veterans and active-duty service members during the Veterans Day period:

• Guitar Center: In appreciation of military veterans and active service member musicians, Guitar Center offers an exclusive Veterans Day discount of 15% off a single item of $199 or more, with a maximum discount of $500. The offer is valid from November 9-12.

• Sony Electronics: Provides discounts on Sony OTC hearing aids for veterans and service members. From October 28 to November 18, customers can receive $100 off the CRE-C20, $110 off the CRE-E10, and $80 off the CRE-C10 when purchasing directly from the Sony Electronics site and verifying through ID.me at checkout.

• Fox Nation: Offers active-duty military and veterans one year of Fox Nation for free. Current subscribers can keep their existing account while utilizing the free year.

Automotive Services

• Just Tires: Runs the 'Car Care Checks for Vets' promotion from November 10-14. Veterans receive free tire, brake, and battery checks, alongside an extra 10% off tires and services. A valid military ID is required to benefit from these deals.

Travel and Hospitality Offers

• Hawks Cay Resort: From August 1 to December 25, 2024, offers a special discounted room rate starting at $169 a night on weekdays for past and present members of the military as part of its "Heroes Salute" program. This program also features discounts on water sports, a weekly outdoor Heroes' Tribute ceremony, and various adventure and leisure activities for guests.

Important Details and Tips for Veterans Day Offers

When taking advantage of Veterans Day freebies and discounts, it's important to keep several key details in mind:

Eligibility Requirements

Most offers require proof of military service. Acceptable forms of proof typically include: - Military ID - DD 214 form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) - Driver's license with a Veteran designation - U.S. Uniform Services Retired ID Card

Some offers specify active-duty military only, while others include veterans, reservists, and retired military members. It's important to check the specific requirements for each offer.

Participation Verification

Many national franchises have participating locations that may vary by region. For example: - McDonald's and Subway offer location-specific discounts, so customers should check with their local franchise to confirm participation. - Dave & Buster's, Denny's, and other chains specify that offers are available at "participating locations," making it advisable to call ahead before visiting. - Some regional restaurants like Bush's Chicken (Texas) and Dairi-O (North Carolina) offer deals that are available at all of their locations within their service areas.

Offer Limitations

• Many restaurant offers are dine-in only and exclude drive-thru, takeout, or delivery services.
• Some offers have specific time restrictions, such as Parry's Pizza (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or Friendly's (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.).
• Many offers cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.
• Some offers are limited to one per transaction or per customer.

Planning Ahead

• Veterans Day offers are typically available only on November 11, though some promotions, like Just Tires' car care checks, may extend over several days.
• Some businesses announce their Veterans Day promotions closer to the date, so it's worth checking back for updates.
• The source material indicates that Veteran.com updates their discount pages frequently during the Veterans Day season as businesses announce their offers.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2024 offers a wide array of free meals, discounts, and special promotions for veterans and active-duty service members across the United States. From complimentary meals at popular restaurant chains to discounts on retail products and automotive services, businesses demonstrate their appreciation for military service in numerous ways. When planning to take advantage of these offers, veterans should ensure they have appropriate proof of service, verify participation at specific locations, and be aware of any time restrictions or limitations. The generosity shown by these businesses serves as a small token of gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military.

Sources

1. Veteran.com Veterans Day Discounts
2. NBC Bay Area Veterans Day 2024 Free Food Discounts
3. Military.com Veterans Day Restaurant Discounts