Chicago Veterans Day Freebies 2024 Guide To Military Discounts And Complimentary Offers

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, provides an opportunity for communities across the United States to honor and thank military veterans and active service members. In Chicago, numerous businesses participate in this tradition by offering special discounts, complimentary meals, and free services as a token of appreciation for their service. These offers typically require proof of military status, such as a military ID, veteran organization membership card, or other documentation. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Veterans Day freebies and discounts available in Chicago and nationwide that are accessible to Chicago residents.

Restaurant Freebies in Chicago

Chicago's restaurant scene participates generously in Veterans Day celebrations, offering complimentary meals and beverages to veterans and active-duty military personnel. Most establishments require valid proof of service, which may include a military ID, DD214 card, or veteran organization membership card. Additionally, many offers are limited to dine-in service only, with participation varying by location.

Several national restaurant chains with Chicago locations have confirmed their Veterans Day offers for 2024:

• Applebee's: Veterans and active-duty military members, including reserves and National Guard, can receive a free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu. The menu options include a six-ounce sirloin, "Classic Bacon Cheeseburger," and "Double Crunch Shrimp." This offer is valid for in-restaurant dining only.

• Buffalo Wild Wings: All past and present service members with valid ID can receive 10 free boneless wings and fries. The offer is valid for dine-in service and, at Buffalo Wild Wings Go locations, for walk-in and counter orders only.

• Chili's: Service members are offered a free meal for in-restaurant dining. The options include soup and salad, boneless wings, and other entrées from a Veterans Day menu. Drinks are not included with this offer.

• Starbucks: Veterans, service members, and military spouses can receive a free "tall" 12-ounce brewed coffee, hot or iced, at participating Chicago locations. This offer excludes Cold Brew and is available at most participating stores.

• Dunkin': Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free donut on November 11 at participating Dunkin' locations throughout Chicago.

• IHOP: The pancake house thanks veterans and active-duty military members with a free stack of pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Veterans Day.

• Bar Louie: Veterans and active members of the military can receive a free burger when they dine in at participating Chicago locations.

• BIBIBOP Asian Grill: This Asian fast-casual chain offers a free bowl with valid military ID at their Chicago locations.

Several restaurant offers are still awaiting verification for 2024:

• Uno Chicago Grill: Reportedly offers a free entrée with military or Veterans ID, though participation may vary by location.
• Village Inn: May offer a free Village Inn Breakfast (V.I.B.) on Veterans Day.
• Wienerschnitzel: Potentially offering veterans and active duty military a free Chili Dog, small fries, and a small Pepsi with military ID.
• Yard House: May provide a complimentary appetizer for veterans and active-duty military.
• 99 Restaurant and Pub: Potentially offering free lunch from a special menu with the purchase of a lunch from 11-5pm.
• 54th Street Grill & Bar: May offer veterans and active service members to eat free (up to $10.00).

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Chicago's cultural institutions recognize military service by offering free admission to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. These attractions provide an opportunity for veterans and their families to enjoy cultural experiences at no cost.

• Pritzker Military Museum and Library: Located at 104 S. Michigan Ave., this museum offers free admission on November 11. The museum features military history exhibits and educational programs.

• National Veterans Art Museum: Situated at 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave., this museum always offers free admission and showcases artwork created by military veterans.

• Soldier Field: The venue hosts Chicago's official Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony at the Doughboy Statue. The ceremony takes place at 11:00 AM on November 11, with doors opening at 10:00 AM. Free parking is available at the Waldron Parking Deck, with exit at 18th Street from Lake Shore Drive. Attendees are encouraged to wear business attire or service dress uniform.

Several museums outside of Chicago also offer free admission to veterans, which might be of interest to those willing to travel:

• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield, Ill.): Free admission for veterans and service members.
• Country Music Hall of Fame (Nashville, Tenn.): Typically offers free admission for veterans, active-duty military, and up to three immediate family members.
• Hagley Museum and Library (Wilmington, DE): Free admission for active military, veterans and families November 9-11.
• Henry Ford Museum (Michigan): Free admission for veterans, active military, and families.
• John Wayne: An American Experience (Texas): Free admission for veterans and active-duty military from November 8-11.

Automotive Services and Free Car Washes

Veterans and active-duty military personnel can take advantage of complimentary automotive services on Veterans Day. These offers include free car washes and discounted maintenance services.

• Grace for Vets Car Wash Program: This nationwide program offers free car washes at thousands of locations. Participants can find participating locations through the Grace for Vets website or by calling ahead to local car washes.

• Meineke: Select locations offer free oil changes for veterans and active-duty military personnel.

• Jiffy Lube: Typically offers a 50% discount on oil changes on Veterans Day, with a 15% military discount available year-round (though this varies by location).

• Valvoline Instant Oil Change: Usually offers a free oil change on Veterans Day, with a 15% military discount available year-round.

• AutoNation: All active U.S. Military personnel, U.S. Military Veterans, and their spouses receive a 20% discount on all in-store services at participating AutoNation locations.

Amusement Parks, Zoos, and Entertainment

Chicago-area attractions and entertainment venues offer special recognition for military personnel on Veterans Day. These free admissions and discounts provide opportunities for veterans and their families to enjoy recreational activities.

• Shedd Aquarium (Chicago): Offers free admission for veterans and service members on Veterans Day.

• Cincinnati Zoo (Ohio): Provides free admission for veterans on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July, with discounted tickets for family members.

• Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia): Offers free admission during Veterans Day weekend (Friday, Nov. 7 through Tuesday, Nov. 11) to all active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen, and their immediate dependents.

• Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta): Provides free admission for active military and veterans, plus a 30% discount in the gift shop, on November 10-11 and during other "Military Mondays."

• Knott's Berry Farm (California): Offers discounted tickets for veterans, military members, and family during Military Tribute Days, Monday through Thursday, November 3–20 and December 1–18.

• Louisville Zoo (Kentucky): Provides free admission for veterans, active military, and families, along with discounts on concessions and the gift shop.

Nationwide Offers Available to Chicago Residents

Several nationwide programs and attractions offer free admission or discounts to veterans and active-duty military that are accessible to Chicago residents:

• Six Flags (nationwide): Offers free admission for veterans and discounted tickets for family members, with details varying by location.

• Winchester Mystery House (San Jose, CA): Typically offers a 30% discount on tickets from November 1 through December 31, with year-round discounts also available.

• National Parks: Admission is free to all visitors on Veterans Day. Additionally, the National Park Service offers free annual and lifetime passes to current U.S. military and dependents, Gold Star families, and U.S. military veterans. These passes include entrance or standard amenity fees at national parks, national wildlife refewas, national forests, and other federal recreational lands.

• Retail Discounts: Many retailers offer Veterans Day discounts. Kohl's, for example, provides special discounts for military personnel and veterans, though specific details vary by location and year.

How to Access These Freebies

To maximize the benefits of Veterans Day freebies in Chicago, military personnel and veterans should follow these guidelines:

1. Bring Proper Identification: Most offers require valid proof of military service, such as a military ID, DD214 card, VA card, or state-issued veteran designation. Spouses and dependents may need to show dependent ID or marriage certificates.

2. Call Ahead: Participation may vary by location, especially for chain restaurants and stores. Calling ahead to confirm participation and specific offer details is recommended.

3. Arrive Early: Popular restaurants like Applebee's, Chili's, and IHOP may experience high volume on Veterans Day. Arriving early can help avoid long waits or potential sell-out of complimentary items.

4. Understand Offer Limitations: Most offers are limited to one per person and may not include tax, tip, or certain menu items. Some offers are valid for dine-in only, while others might include takeout options.

5. Check Online Verification: Some offers may require registration with ID.me to verify service status for online discounts.

Conclusion

Chicago businesses and institutions demonstrate their appreciation for military service through a wide array of Veterans Day freebies and discounts. From complimentary meals at popular restaurants to free museum admissions and automotive services, veterans and active-duty military personnel have numerous opportunities to enjoy special recognition on November 11. While most offers require proof of military status and have specific limitations, these benefits provide meaningful value to those who have served.

When planning to take advantage of these offers, it's important to bring proper identification, call ahead to confirm participation, and arrive early at popular establishments. As Veterans Day approaches, businesses may update their offers, so checking for the most current information is advisable. The collective effort of Chicago's business community to honor veterans through these complimentary services demonstrates a community-wide commitment to recognizing military service and sacrifice.

Sources

1. Veterans Day 2024 Deals, Discounts, Freebies for Veterans
2. Chicago Veterans Day Freebies and Deals
3. Chicago Restaurant Deals for Veterans Day
4. Best Veterans Day Freebies
5. Veterans Day Deals and Freebies List