Veterans Day 2025 Free Meals And Discounts For Us Veterans And Active-Duty Military

Veterans Day, observed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, is a time to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In recognition of their service, numerous restaurants, retailers, and attractions across the country offer free meals, discounts, and special promotions to veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers provide an opportunity for service members and their families to enjoy appreciation events while saving money on food, travel, and retail purchases.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the 2025 Veterans Day free meal and discount programs available to eligible individuals. The information is based on publicly available details from verified promotional pages, restaurant websites, and event calendars. Specifics such as dates, locations, and eligibility criteria are included to help consumers make informed decisions when accessing these offers.

Veterans Day Events and Free Meal Offers in Orlando, Florida

Orlando continues to be a hub for Veterans Day events, with a range of activities and promotions aimed at honoring military service. One of the highlights is the City of Orlando Veterans Day Parade, scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Lake Nona Town Center. This event features a formal Honor Guard presentation, live performances, and remarks from local officials. The parade is followed by a Honors Ceremony that includes appearances by special guests and opportunities for attendees to express gratitude to veterans.

In addition to the parade, the Orange County Regional History Center offers free admission to veterans and active-duty military personnel from November 8 to November 11, 2025. This is a valuable opportunity for those interested in exploring historical exhibits and collections related to American military service and Florida history.

For those looking to participate in a more active event, the Casselberry Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk takes place on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Concord Park. This community-driven event allows participants to support local veterans while engaging in a meaningful physical activity. Participants can register online, and the event is open to all ages and fitness levels.

Restaurant and Food Deals for Veterans and Active-Duty Military

Numerous restaurants across the United States offer free meals or discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. These offers are typically valid for dine-in only and may require proof of service, such as a military ID or veteran status verification.

National Chain Free Meal Offers

• Harris Teeter: Veterans receive 11% off all in-store purchases on Veterans Day. This discount applies to food, household goods, and other retail items.

• IHOP: Veterans can enjoy a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo. This offer is available for dine-in guests only.

• Joe’s Crab Shack: Veterans receive a 20% discount on all in-store meals on Veterans Day.

• McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks: Veterans can enjoy a select half-priced entrée on Sunday, November 9, 2025.

• PJ’s Coffee: Veterans receive a free 16 oz hot or cold brew coffee.

• Red Robin Gourmet Burgers: Veterans can get a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger and bottomless side.

• Smoothie King: Veterans receive a free 20 oz patriotic smoothie between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, with options like Strawberry X-Treme (red), Slim-N-Trim Vanilla (white), and Blueberry Heaven (blue).

• Starbucks: Veterans can enjoy a free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced).

• Taffer’s Tavern: Veterans receive 50% off one plate, handheld, or salad from November 10 to November 16.

• Yard House: Veterans receive a complimentary appetizer for dine-in guests only.

Additional Restaurant Offers

• Freebirds World Burrito: Veterans receive 50% off any in-store order at participating locations. This offer is valid for Veterans Day only.

• Freddy’s: Veterans receive a free combo meal of their choice at participating locations.

• Golden Corral: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can enjoy a free thank-you meal during its Military Appreciation Night, which takes place on Monday, November 11, 2025, from 4:00 PM to closing.

• Green Mill: Veterans receive a free 2-topping personal pizza, dessert pasta, Western Mill Burger, or Cobb Salad with Chicken.

• Hamburger Stand: Veterans receive a free hamburger, regular fries, and small soda.

• Houlihan’s: Veterans receive a 50% discount on select entrees such as Shrimp Scampi, Houlihan’s Cheeseburger, Whole Grain Veggie Burger, Meatloaf No. 9, Fish and Chips, Stuffed Chicken Breast, Heartland Grilled Chicken, and Chicken Parmesan.

• Hooters: Veterans receive a free entrée from the lunch menu during Veterans Day hours. Specific menu items are available for dine-in guests only.

• Chipotle: Veterans and active-duty military can round up their Chipotle order total to the next highest dollar amount to donate to the United Service Organizations (USO) through the Round Up for Real Change initiative, which runs from November 11 to November 16.

• Krispy Kreme: Veterans receive a free small hot or iced coffee and a free doughnut of their choice on Veterans Day.

• Red Lobster: Veterans receive a free Shrimp & Chips entrée, which includes Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, fries, and coleslaw.

• Starbucks: Veterans receive a free tall 12-ounce brewed coffee (hot or iced) at participating U.S. locations. Cold Brew is not included. This offer is valid for in-store and drive-thru purchases.

• Cracker Barrel: Veterans receive a free Sunrise Pancake Special, which includes two buttermilk pancakes with fresh eggs or breakfast meat. This offer is valid for dine-in guests only.

• Wendy’s: Veterans receive a free breakfast combo, no purchase required, during breakfast hours on November 11. Guests can use the code VETERANS25 if ordering online.

• White Castle: Veterans receive a free individual combo meal or breakfast combo meal when dining at participating restaurants.

• Wienerschnitzel: Veterans receive a free Original Chili Dog, small fries, and small soda at participating locations nationwide.

• Wings and Rings: Veterans receive a free lunch for dine-in guests only.

• WOB Bar & Kitchen: Veterans receive a complimentary order of 2-piece Smash Burger Sliders at participating locations.

• Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza: Veterans receive a 10% discount on their entire order for dine-in guests only.

Travel and Museum Discounts for Veterans and Active-Duty Military

Beyond restaurant offers, several museums and attractions are also participating in Veterans Day appreciation events by offering free or discounted admission to veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Museums and Attractions

• Old Town Trolley Tours (St. Augustine): Veterans receive free admission to trolley tours and attractions such as the Old Jail, Oldest Store Museum Experience, and St. Augustine History Museum. This offer is valid in seven major U.S. cities.

• Pro Football Hall of Fame: Veterans receive free admission and parking, as well as a 20% discount on gift shop purchases on November 11.

• San Antonio Zoo: Veterans receive free admission to the San Antonio Zoo.

• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom: Veterans receive free admission, with discounts for family members.

• Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum: Veterans receive free admission and a special program from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A $4 discount on general admission is available year-round with a valid military ID.

• Winchester Mystery House: Veterans receive 30% off admission, which is also applicable to family members.

• Zoos: Many local zoos offer free or discounted admission on Veterans Day. Visitors are encouraged to check with local facilities for specific promotions.

Auto and Travel Services

Auto and travel service providers also extend Veterans Day discounts to military personnel and veterans. These offers typically include free oil changes, car washes, or other vehicle-related services.

• Sheetz: Veterans receive a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink on Veterans Day. Additionally, veterans can get a free $9 car wash at Sheetz stores equipped with car wash facilities.

• Sizzler: Veterans receive a free lunch on Veterans Day, which includes Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken, or a 6-ounce Tri-Tip Steak, plus a beverage. This offer is valid from opening time until 4:00 PM at all locations except those in Utah, Idaho, and Puerto Rico.

• Smokey Bones: Veterans receive a free entrée, which includes options like the Bacon Cheeseburger, Pulled Pork Sandwich, or Chicken Tender Platter with one regular side.

• Santa Fe Cattle Co.: Veterans receive a free entrée from the Lunch Express Menu, such as the Cheesy Cantina Burger or Smothered Chopped Sirloin. Proof of service is required for this offer.

• Scooter’s Coffee: Veterans receive a free medium drink, including holiday menu items, by showing a valid military ID. Mobile orders are not eligible for this promotion.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 offers a wide range of free meals, discounts, and appreciation events for veterans and active-duty military personnel across the United States. From restaurant promotions to museum admissions and travel discounts, these offers provide meaningful ways to honor and support those who have served the country. It is important for eligible individuals to verify dates, locations, and eligibility requirements for each offer to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience.

Sources

1. Orlando Veterans Day Events and Freebies
2. Veterans Day 2025 DMV Restaurant Offers
3. VA Veterans Day Discounts and Free Meals
4. 2024 Veterans Day Deals and Discounts
5. USA Today Veterans Day Free Meal Guide
6. Military.com Veterans Day Restaurant Offers