Jacksonville Veterans Day 2024 Complete Guide To Free Meals Discounts And Events

Veterans Day 2024 will be observed on Monday, November 11, 2024, and Jacksonville-area businesses are showing their appreciation for military service members with numerous free meals, discounts, and special events. This comprehensive guide details all the verified freebies and discounts available to veterans and active-duty military personnel in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, as well as information about local Veterans Day parades and ceremonies.

Restaurant Free Meals

Many Jacksonville restaurants are offering complimentary meals to honor veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. The following establishments have confirmed free meal offers for November 11, 2024:

• AMC Theatres: Offering military ticket pricing discounts up to $1.50 off per ticket every day.
• Another Broken Egg: Providing a free Patriot French toast combo and coffee with dine-in service only.
• Applebee's: Serving a free entree from a special menu for dine-in customers.
• BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse: Offering a free chocolate chunk Pizookie with no minimum food purchase requirement. Additionally, veterans will receive a bounce-back coupon for a free appetizer valid from November 12 to December 31, 2024, which can be used for dine-in or take-out orders.
• Bob Evans: Providing a free meal from a selection of 10 breakfast offerings throughout the day with dine-in service.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Offering a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries for dine-in customers. The offer is also available at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations for walk-in/order at the counter.
• California Pizza Kitchen: Providing one free entrée valued up to $11.19 with the purchase of a beverage. Limited to one use per check, and the maximum discount is not valid with any other offer or promotion. No substitutions are permitted.
• Playa Bowls: Offering a free bowl to all veterans and service members at participating locations with in-shop service only.
• Red Robin: Providing a free Red's Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries.
• Rummies & Yummies Bakery & Coffee Bar: Offering a complimentary cup of coffee and a slice of Vanilla Pound Cake on November 11. The establishment also provides a year-round 10% "Hero Discount" to military personnel, educators, medical staff, and all first responders.
• Smashburger: Offering a free All-American Single or Double Burger (beef only, no substitutions) with one burger per person, in-store only.
• Sonny's BBQ: Providing a free Pork Big Deal sandwich, choice of side, and a beverage.
• Starbucks: Offering a free tall (12-ounce) hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and military spouses.
• Taziki's: Providing a complimentary grilled chicken gyro meal. Additionally, Taziki's will donate $1 from every gyro sold on Veterans Day to the Wounded Warrior Project.
• Ted's Montana Grill: Offering a 10% military discount year-round.
• Texas Roadhouse: Providing a free meal voucher from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that is good for dine-in or carry-out at a later time. The voucher remains valid through May 30, 2025.
• Tijuana Flats: Offering one free entrée valued up to $11.19 with the purchase of a beverage. Limited to one use per check. The maximum discount of $11.19 is not valid with any other offer or promotion. No substitutions are permitted.
• Twin Peaks: Offering a free lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 11.
• Vicious Biscuit: Offering a free entree on Veterans Day. Additionally, the establishment provides a new 20% discount year-round for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
• Wendy's: Offering a free breakfast combo.
• World of Beer Bar & Kitchen: Offering an order of WOB's limited-time Fall food items—the Crispy Chicken Sliders—for free from November 8 through November 11. Additionally, retired and current service animals will receive a pup cup.
• Zaxby's: Offering a free sandwich.

Additional Restaurant Deals in Florida

Several Florida-based restaurants are also offering special deals for veterans on Veterans Day:

• Country Kitchen: Offering a free Country Scramble breakfast.
• Denny's: Providing veterans with a free "Build-Your-Own Grand Slams" from 5 a.m. to noon.
• IHOP: Offering veterans free Red, White and Blue pancakes.
• Olive Garden: Providing veterans with a free meal from a select menu, including breadsticks, salad, or soup.
• Chili's Bar and Grill: Offering veterans a free meal from a special menu.
• Duffy's Sports Grill: Providing free meals for veterans and active-duty service members.
• McDonald's: While not all locations participate, many offer deals ranging from free coffee to full combo meals. Veterans are encouraged to inquire at their local McDonald's.
• Dairy Queen: Some locations are offering free ice cream treats.
• Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers: Providing veterans with a free combo meal card that can be redeemed on the same day or later.
• Little Caesar's Pizza: Some locations are offering free pizza slices or discounts.

Non-Restaurant Freebies and Discounts

In addition to restaurant offers, several Jacksonville businesses are providing complimentary services and discounts for veterans on Veterans Day:

• GATE Express Car Wash: Offering free car washes to veterans on Monday, November 11 at all Jacksonville and St. Augustine locations. Veterans should present their military ID or wear their uniform.
• Waters CarWash in Orange Park: Providing free car washes to active duty, reserve, retired, and veteran military members from November 9-11. Located at 1785 Wells Road in Orange Park, veterans need only bring their military ID.
• Jacksonville Zoo: Offering all military veterans and active-duty service members one free General Admission ticket valid on Monday, November 11, 2024. Tickets must be reserved online in advance, and military or veteran ID will be verified upon entrance.

Veterans Day Events and Parades

Jacksonville and surrounding areas will host several Veterans Day events and parades to honor service members:

• Jacksonville's Veterans Day Parade: As the proud host of Florida's largest Veterans Day Parade, Jacksonville will host a patriotic spectacle featuring senior military officials, active duty and retired military units, veteran groups, local high school marching bands, ornamental floats, and more. The parade will take place on November 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, snacks, and drinks for the event.
• UNF Veterans Day Tribute: The University of North Florida will host its annual Veterans Day Tribute on November 7 at 10:30 a.m. in Veterans Plaza. The ceremony will honor and recognize military-connected students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members who have served or are still serving in the military. The ceremony will include a performance by the UNF Brass Quintet, and the UNF ROTC will provide the Color Guard.
• Veterans Day Parade in Nassau County: The annual Veterans Day Parade will begin at Central Park and follow the traditional parade route from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on November 11, 2024.

Tips for Maximizing Veterans Day Freebies

To make the most of Veterans Day offers in Jacksonville, veterans and active-duty military personnel should consider the following:

1. Bring Proper Identification: Most offers require military ID, DD214, or other proof of service. Having these documents readily available will ensure smooth redemption of offers.

2. Check Participation Requirements: Many franchise locations may not participate in corporate-wide offers. It's advisable to call ahead to confirm participation, especially for chain restaurants.

3. Understand Limitations: Some offers have specific restrictions such as dine-in only, limited time frames, or menu limitations. Being aware of these details helps avoid disappointment.

4. Plan Your Day: With numerous offers available throughout Jacksonville, planning a route to maximize benefits can help veterans enjoy more freebies without excessive travel.

5. Check Expiration Dates: Some offers, like the Texas Roadhouse meal voucher, have extended validity periods. Understanding these dates allows for flexibility in when to redeem.

6. Consider Bringing Companions: Some offers allow veterans to bring guests or family members, which can enhance the celebration of the day.

7. Verify Offers Online: Before heading out, check the restaurants' official websites or social media pages for the most current offer details, as some terms and conditions may change.

8. Arrive Early: Popular restaurants may experience high volume on Veterans Day, so arriving early can help reduce wait times.

9. Take Advantage of Extended Offers: Some businesses, like BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse, offer bounce-back coupons with extended validity periods, providing additional value beyond Veterans Day.

10. Document Your Experience: Many veterans enjoy sharing their experiences of Veterans Day freebies with fellow service members, which can help others discover new offers in future years.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2024 in Jacksonville offers numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to enjoy complimentary meals, services, and events as a token of appreciation for their service. From restaurant free meals to car wash discounts and special parades, the Jacksonville community has organized a comprehensive array of offerings to honor those who have served. Veterans are encouraged to plan ahead, bring proper identification, and take advantage of these opportunities to celebrate their service and enjoy the gratitude of the community.

Sources

1. Veterans Day 2024: What restaurants offer freebies, free meals or deals
2. 2024 Veterans Day parades, events, discounts, deals in Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia
3. Veterans Day Florida Free Meals