Veterans Day 2019 Freebies And Deals Complete Guide To Free Meals Discounts And Special Offers For Military Members

Introduction

Veterans Day 2019 brought an extensive array of freebies, deals, and special offers for military members and veterans across the United States. From complimentary meals at major restaurant chains to discounts on retail purchases and free admission to national parks, businesses nationwide demonstrated their appreciation for those who have served in the armed forces. While many offers centered on November 11 itself, others extended throughout the month or were available during the weekend preceding the holiday.

The scope of these freebies was substantial, with over 200 individual deals documented across restaurants, retailers, travel organizations, and service providers. Most offers required proof of military service, which could include military identification, discharge papers like DD-214, or other verification methods. Participation varied by location, particularly for franchise establishments, making it essential for military members to confirm availability at their specific location before attempting to redeem offers.

Restaurant Free Meals and Food Deals

Major restaurant chains across the country participated in Veterans Day 2019 by offering free meals, appetizers, and beverages to active duty military personnel and veterans. These deals represented some of the most significant value offerings of the holiday, with many restaurants providing full meals rather than limited-time promotional items.

Applebee's continued its annual tradition of serving free meals to active duty and veteran military service members on Veterans Day. The offer included meals from a limited menu, and while most locations participated, not all franchise locations were required to offer the deal, necessitating advance verification with local restaurants. Military identification was required to receive the complimentary meal.

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse provided all military members with a complimentary entree up to $14.95, plus a free Dr Pepper beverage, with proof of service required. This offer was available at all BJ's locations nationwide, providing consistent access across the company's footprint.

Bob Evans offered free entrees for veterans and active military personnel on November 11, extending their appreciation to include full meal options rather than limited selections. California Pizza Kitchen provided veterans with complimentary pizza, pasta, or a full-size salad and beverage from a special Veterans Day menu, offering variety beyond standard promotional offerings.

Carlo's Bake Shop participated by offering a free cannoli with active military identification on Veterans Day, providing a sweet treat to complement other dining experiences. These restaurant offerings represented part of a broader pattern of food service establishments recognizing military service through tangible benefits.

Beyond the core November 11 offerings, several restaurants provided extended promotions during the surrounding period. Bartaco offered 20% savings from November 9-11, allowing military members to benefit from the discount across a three-day window. Carrabba's Italian Grill provided a free order of calamari with any purchase from November 8-11, plus an additional 10% discount on any visit during the same period.

Flying J provided a free hot beverage and breakfast item through a special app offer from November 8-11, targeting travelers and providing early morning benefits. Fogo de Chão offered 50% off meals for veterans and active duty personnel from November 8-11, plus up to three guests could receive 10% off their meals at all U.S. locations, extending the benefit to military families.

Retail Discounts and Product Offers

Beyond food service establishments, numerous retailers offered significant discounts and special pricing for military members during Veterans Day 2019. These deals ranged from percentage discounts on general merchandise to specific product promotions, creating substantial savings opportunities across various consumer categories.

Tuft & Needle provided veterans, active-duty military members, and their family members with a discount of $175 off their Mint and Hybrid mattresses. This offer was valid both online and in stores through November 11, representing a substantial saving on major home purchases. The inclusion of family members expanded the benefit beyond just the service member, acknowledging the broader military community.

Verizon announced a comprehensive offer for active-duty military members, reservists, cadets, Gold Star families, and veterans. The promotion included a one-year membership of Amazon Prime for customers adding a new line of service, running from October 24 to December 2. Additionally, these customers were eligible for discounts on wireless and Fios services, providing both immediate and ongoing benefits.

Walgreens offered a 20% discount on eligible regular priced items from November 8-11 for veterans, military personnel, and their families. The discount required a Walgreens Balance Rewards card and proof of service, combining loyalty program benefits with military appreciation. This offer was particularly valuable for everyday purchases and health-related items.

Travel and Recreation Benefits

Veterans Day 2019 also featured significant freebies and discounts in the travel and recreation sector, allowing military members to access cultural and recreational opportunities at reduced or no cost. These offerings were particularly valuable for families seeking affordable activities during the holiday period.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum provided veterans with free museum admission, plus half-price museum tickets for up to two family members from November 8-14. This extended promotion allowed military families to visit during a week-long period rather than limiting access to a single day, providing greater flexibility for planning.

The Aquarium of the Pacific offered free admission to veterans and military personnel on November 11, creating an educational and entertaining option for those looking to combine appreciation with family activities. The Army Corps of Engineers waived day use fees at recreation areas nationwide on November 11, providing access to outdoor activities and facilities across the country.

A particularly notable benefit was free admission to National Parks, which extended beyond just veterans to include all visitors on Veterans Day. This benefit applied to all national parks, memorials, and historic sites, including prominent locations like Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty. The offer also included sites overseen by the Bureau of Land Management, Army Corps of Engineers, and wildlife refuges run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, providing comprehensive access to federal recreation areas.

Verification and Participation Requirements

Successfully accessing Veterans Day freebies required understanding and meeting specific verification requirements established by individual businesses. Most establishments required proof of military service, with several forms of documentation typically accepted to accommodate different service members' circumstances.

Acceptable forms of military verification included the Veterans Administration Universal Access Card, military identification, DD-214 discharge papers, Veterans Service Organization cards (including groups like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and American Legion), and in some cases, a picture of the veteran in uniform. This variety of accepted documentation ensured that different service members could provide appropriate verification based on their individual circumstances and the specific requirements of each business.

Participation varied significantly among franchise locations, particularly for national restaurant and retail chains. While corporate headquarters might announce a national program, individual franchise owners were not always required to participate, creating the potential for inconsistent availability. The general recommendation across multiple sources was to contact local establishments in advance to verify their participation in Veterans Day programs.

Reservations were strongly recommended for restaurants that accept them, as capacity limitations could result in long wait times or inability to accommodate walk-in military members seeking to redeem offers. Several sources noted that restaurants taking reservations typically book up very quickly during the Veterans Day period, making advance planning essential for optimal experience.

Many offers were specifically limited to November 11, while others provided extended windows for redemption. The period from November 8-14 saw particular activity, with various businesses offering benefits during this timeframe rather than limiting access to the single holiday. Some early bird promotions began as early as November 8, while other offers continued through the weekend following the holiday.

Geographic and Accessibility Considerations

The availability of Veterans Day 2019 freebies varied by geographic location, with some offers having broader coverage than others. National chains with consistent corporate policies provided the most reliable access across different regions, while location-specific offers required more careful verification.

Military members stationed at or visiting different regions during Veterans Day should have considered the local business landscape and available offers. Urban areas typically had more participating establishments due to higher customer density, while rural locations might have had fewer options but could have offered more personalized service at participating businesses.

Online and nationwide retailers provided the most consistent access regardless of physical location, allowing military members to benefit from digital discounts and promotions without geographic limitations. The Verizon Amazon Prime offer, Tuft & Needle mattress discount, and other online promotions demonstrated how digital commerce could extend Veterans Day benefits to military members regardless of their physical location.

Best Practices for Maximizing Benefits

Military members seeking to maximize their Veterans Day 2019 freebies benefited from strategic planning and advance preparation. The most successful approaches involved understanding the full scope of available offers and developing a plan that balanced time constraints with the value of different deals.

Early research and planning proved essential, particularly for offers with limited capacity or specific time windows. Military members who identified their desired offers in advance and contacted participating locations early had better success rates in accessing high-demand deals, especially at popular restaurants or attractions with limited capacity.

Combining multiple offers within a single day provided optimal value, particularly for those with flexible schedules and transportation access. For example, a military family might visit a national park in the morning, enjoy a free lunch at a participating restaurant, and shop at a retailer offering military discounts in the afternoon, maximizing the total value of their Veterans Day benefits.

Documentation preparation was crucial for smooth access to offers. Having multiple forms of military verification available ensured that different businesses could receive the type of proof they preferred, while also providing backup options if the primary documentation was not accepted by a particular establishment.

Community and Family Considerations

Many Veterans Day 2019 freebies extended benefits beyond the individual service member to include family members, recognizing that military service affects the entire family unit. This approach acknowledge the sacrifices made by spouses, children, and other dependents who support military service members.

Restaurant deals that included family guest discounts, such as the Fogo de Chão offer providing 10% off for up to three guests, allowed military families to enjoy meals together while taking advantage of military appreciation. The Aquarium of the Pacific and 9/11 Memorial free admission for family members demonstrated how recreation offers could become family activities rather than individual experiences.

The Tuft & Needle discount including family members acknowledged the broader impact of military service on household decisions, particularly major purchases like mattresses that affect the entire family's comfort and well-being. These inclusive offers recognized that military appreciation should encompass the family support system that enables service members to fulfill their duties.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2019 provided an extensive range of freebies and discounts that demonstrated widespread appreciation for military service across American businesses. From complimentary meals at major restaurant chains to significant discounts on retail purchases and free admission to national parks, the scope of available benefits was comprehensive and valuable.

The success of accessing these offers depended largely on advance preparation, understanding verification requirements, and confirming participation at specific locations. Military members who planned strategically, gathered appropriate documentation, and verified availability in advance were best positioned to take full advantage of the available freebies and discounts.

The variety of offers spanning food service, retail, travel, and recreation provided opportunities for different preferences and circumstances, ensuring that military members across various demographics could find benefits relevant to their needs. The inclusion of family members in many offers recognized the broader military community and the importance of supporting military families.

As Veterans Day 2019 demonstrated, American businesses remain committed to honoring military service through tangible benefits and special offers. The extensive participation across multiple sectors provided meaningful recognition of military sacrifice while delivering practical value to those who have served their country.

Sources

1. Veterans Day 2019 Freebies and Deals - New York Upstate
2. Veterans Day Freebies and Deals 2019 - EcoXplorer
3. 2019 Veterans Day Deals and Freebies - Military Living
4. Veterans Day Freebies and Deals 2019 - AnyTots
5. MilitaryBridge's Big List of Veterans Day Discounts & Freebies for 2019
6. 200+ Veterans Day free meals, food, deals and discounts to honor your soldier in 2019 - IndyStar