Complete Guide To Veterans Day 2018 Free Meals And Discounts For Military Personnel

Veterans Day 2018, observed on Sunday, November 11, provided an opportunity for businesses across the United States to express gratitude to military personnel through special offers, free meals, and discounts. Many establishments extended their appreciation through Monday, November 12, when the holiday was officially observed. These promotions varied by location and business type, with most requiring proof of military service such as a military ID, DD-214 discharge papers, VA health identification card, or membership card from a veterans organization. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the freebies and discounts available to veterans and active-duty military personnel during Veterans Day 2018.

Restaurant and Food Establishment Offers

Numerous restaurant chains and local eateries participated in Veterans Day promotions by offering complimentary meals or significant discounts. These offers were among the most widespread forms of appreciation shown to military personnel during the holiday weekend.

Applebee's maintained its tradition of providing free meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day 2018. Participants received a free full-sized entree from an exclusive menu, which included eight options: the classic bacon cheeseburger, a 6-ounce USDA select top sirloin dinner, chicken tenders platter, double crunch shrimp, fiesta lime chicken, Oriental grilled chicken salad, Oriental chicken salad, and three-cheese chicken penne. This offer was valid for dine-in visitors only and not applicable to carryout orders.

Bar Louie offered a free burger or flatbread, valued up to $15, to veterans and active military personnel during operating hours on November 11. The pub operates in 28 states, though participation may have varied by location.

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse provided complimentary entrees valued up to $12.95 along with a free Dr. Pepper beverage on November 11. This offer was available at their location at 4521 E 21st St N #104.

Famous Dave's honored veterans by offering a free two-meat Combo on both November 11 and 12, extending their appreciation over the observed holiday weekend.

Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que provided free meals to veterans on Veterans Day (November 11), though specific menu details were not specified in the available information.

54th Street Grill offered veterans and active-duty military personnel a free entree valued up to $12 on November 11.

Arooga's extended their appreciation to veterans and active-duty military with free meals from a fixed menu on November 12, the day after Veterans Day.

Aspen Creek Grill provided complimentary meals from a special menu starting at 11 a.m., though the specific day for this offer was not detailed in the source material.

The Chop House offered 50% off any dine-in lunch or dinner entree to veterans with military ID or in uniform on both Sunday, November 11, and Monday, November 12.

Connors Steak & Seafood matched The Chop House's offer, providing 50% off any dine-in lunch or dinner entree to veterans with military ID or in uniform on November 11 and 12.

Wild Wing Cafe allowed veterans to eat for free from select items all day on November 11 at participating locations.

World of Beer showed appreciation by offering veterans a free draught beer or $5 off their check on November 11.

Yard House provided complimentary appetizers to veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11.

Shane's Rib Shack offered military personnel and veterans a complimentary sandwich, regular side, and 20-oz beverage at participating locations from November 8 through November 10, extending their appreciation before the actual holiday.

Eat'n Park provided a special 10% discount for the entire month of November to all active and former United States military personnel.

Huddle House offered a free order of Sweet Cakes to all active military members and veterans with proper identification from November 9 through 12.

In the Virginia and DC region, several local establishments participated in Veterans Day promotions. While specific names weren't listed in the source material, the region had a variety of options for veterans seeking free or discounted meals.

Retail and Service Discounts

Beyond the restaurant industry, various retail and service businesses offered special discounts and complimentary services to honor military personnel during Veterans Day 2018.

The Boston Bruins showed appreciation to military personnel with a 20% discount at all ProShop and GameDay ProShop locations in conjunction with Military Appreciation Night on November 5.

Carnival Cruise Line offered special savings and bonuses to members of the U.S. and Canadian armed forces, though specific details about the offers were not provided in the source material.

Local businesses in various communities provided unique discounts and complimentary services. Some establishments offered free haircuts for veterans, active military, reservists, and National Guard members, though these services were not open to the general public. Other local businesses provided free donuts to veterans on Veterans Day, with no purchase required. Some establishments offered free haircut cards that could be used any day through December 31, extending the appreciation beyond the holiday weekend.

Travel and Recreation Discounts

Several travel and recreation venues participated in Veterans Day 2018 by offering free admission or special discounts to military personnel and their families.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum provided free admission to veterans, with half-price museum tickets available for up to two family members from November 7 through 11.

The Aquarium of the Pacific offered free admission to veterans and military personnel on November 11.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers waived day use fees at its recreation areas nationwide from November 11 through 12, allowing military personnel and their families to enjoy outdoor spaces at no cost.

The B&Bs for Vets program offered complimentary rooms at inns to veterans on or around November 11, providing lodging for those traveling to observe the holiday.

The Birmingham Zoo provided free admission to veterans, active and retired military personnel, and their dependents from November 11 through 12.

Boston Duck Tours offered free rides to veterans and active military personnel from November 12 through 16, with dependents able to ride for $10 per person (plus a 5% CCF surcharge).

Important Notes and Tips for Veterans Day 2018 Offers

When planning to take advantage of Veterans Day offers, several important considerations should be kept in mind:

Most businesses required proof of military service, which could include a military ID, DD-214 discharge papers, VA health identification card, or membership card from a veterans organization such as The American Legion, VFW, DAV, AMVETS, MOAA, or FRA. In some cases, businesses accepted a picture of the veteran in uniform as proof of service.

Many restaurant offers were specifically for dine-in visitors only and not valid for carryout orders, as was the case with Applebee's free meal promotion.

Not all franchise locations participated in their national chain's Veterans Day programs, making it important for military personnel to contact their nearest establishment to confirm participation before visiting.

Some businesses extended their promotions beyond the actual Veterans Day date, with offers valid on November 12 or even throughout the month of November in some cases.

For those seeking additional benefits, visiting www.legion.org/veteransbenefits/state provided information about state-specific benefits and opportunities available to veterans.

How to Access These Offers

To take advantage of Veterans Day 2018 offers, military personnel typically needed to present appropriate documentation at participating establishments. The specific requirements varied by business but generally included:

• Military identification card
• DD-214 discharge papers
• VA health identification card
• Membership card from a recognized veterans organization
• In some cases, a picture in uniform

For restaurant and food establishment offers, most required dine-in service and were not valid for carryout or takeout orders. Some establishments had specific menu items available for the free meal promotion, while others offered more flexible options.

For retail and service discounts, presentation of military documentation was typically required at the time of purchase or service.

For travel and recreation venues, advance registration or proof of service might have been required, though many offered complimentary admission at the point of entry with appropriate documentation.

To find local participating businesses, veterans could: - Check with local veterans organizations for compiled lists - Contact specific establishments directly to confirm participation - Visit business websites or social media pages for promotion details - Look for signage at participating locations

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2018 provided numerous opportunities for military personnel and veterans to receive appreciation through complimentary meals, discounts, and special offers across various industries. From restaurant chains to local businesses, from travel venues to service providers, many organizations showed their gratitude through tangible benefits. While most offers required proof of military service, the variety of options ensured that veterans could find opportunities to celebrate the holiday in their communities. It's important to note that participation varied by location, with some franchise locations choosing not to participate in national chain promotions. As always, verifying participation with specific establishments before visiting was recommended to ensure a smooth experience. These offers not only provided tangible benefits but also served as meaningful acknowledgments of the sacrifices made by military personnel in service to their country.

Sources

1. WTOP - Best Veterans Day Deals and Freebies for 2018
2. Mix106 Radio - List of 2018 Veterans Day Freebies
3. Patch - VA Free Meals, Deals For Military On Veterans Day 2018
4. The American Legion - 2018 Veterans Day Offers and Discounts
5. Herald Mail Media - Veterans Day 2018: All the sales, savings, and freebies vets can get
6. KWCH - Veterans Day 2018 Freebies, Deals and Discounts