Thanksgiving Resources And Veterans Day Free Meals For Military Service Members

Nov. 25, 2025, 10:41 a.m.

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Introduction: During the fall season, two important holidays provide opportunities to honor military service members: Thanksgiving and Veterans Day. While Veterans Day (November 11) offers numerous restaurant free meals and discounts, Thanksgiving provides special resources for veterans to enjoy holiday meals and community support. This article explores the available options for both holidays.

Thanksgiving Resources for Veterans: For veterans seeking Thanksgiving meals and support, several resources are available across the country. According to Source 5, all military branches prepare Thanksgiving feasts on base, and veterans are invited to attend. These meals typically aren't free but are offered at reduced cost. Veterans may also be able to bring guests to enjoy the meal with them. The source recommends checking with local military installations to learn about their specific Thanksgiving plans.

National and local veterans service organizations offer Thanksgiving meals and other services to veterans. Source 5 suggests checking lists of veterans service organizations (VSOs) or searching for local VSOs to find available Thanksgiving meal programs.

Many Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion posts offer free Thanksgiving meals. Some of these events are open to anyone in the community in need, while others are specifically for veterans. Source 5 mentions that some may require valid membership. These events also provide opportunities for veterans to socialize with others in the community, and veterans can volunteer to help prepare and serve the meals.

Operation Homefront, mentioned in Source 5, provides relief programs to veterans in need, including transitional housing and financial assistance. While not specifically a Thanksgiving meal program, such resources can help veterans facing difficult circumstances during the holiday season.

Veterans Day Free Meals at Restaurants: Veterans Day 2025, falling on Tuesday, November 11, will see numerous restaurants offering free meals and discounts to veterans and active-duty military members. Several national chains have announced their promotions:

California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty military members receive a complimentary entrée and beverage from a special prix fixe menu when dining in at any participating location (Sources 1, 4, 6).

In-N-Out Burger: Offers a free burger with fries and a beverage to veterans (Source 1).

Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy a complimentary Red's Big Tavern Burger and bottomless steak fries (Sources 1, 3, 7).

Red Lobster: Provides a free Shrimp & Chips entree featuring Walt's Favorite Shrimp, fries and coleslaw to all active-duty military, reserves and veterans (Source 1).

Chipotle: The military community can enjoy any entrée and get a second entrée for free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day (Sources 1, 4, 6).

Logan's Roadhouse: Honors veterans and active-duty military with a free lunch from 11 a.m. (Source 1).

Applebee's: Veterans and active-duty military members who dine in receive a free meal at Applebee's locations owned and operated by Flynn Group. Additionally, through the "Buy a Vet a Beer" promotion, customers can purchase a pre-paid pint of beer for a veteran (Source 2).

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Veterans and active-duty military members who dine in get a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie (Source 2).

Blaze Pizza: Will donate $1 from every pizza sold that day to Folds of Honor (Source 4).

The Brass Tap: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free burger and fries on Veterans Day (Proof of service not required) (Source 4).

Bruegger's Bagels: All veterans and active-duty service members get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) on Veterans Day (Source 4).

Bubbakoo's Burritos: Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free Taco Trio on Veterans Day in restaurants with a valid military ID (Source 4).

Buffalo's Cafe: Veterans and active-duty military get 25% off of their meal when dining in on Veterans Day (Source 4).

Buffalo Wild Wings: All past and present armed service members can get 10 free Boneless Wings and Fries with a valid ID on Veterans Day (Sources 3, 6).

Chicken Salad Chick: All veterans and active military receive a free meal with one side and drink on Veterans Day (Source 6).

Chili's: All veterans & active military members can get a free meal on Veterans Day at all participating restaurants (Source 6, 7).

Golden Corral: Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 11, from 4 pm to close, active duty military, retirees, reservists, guardsmen and veterans will receive a free "thank you" meal and drink (Source 7).

Starbucks: Veterans, military service members and their spouses can get a free 12 oz hot or iced brewed coffee on Veterans Day (Source 7).

Eligibility Requirements: Most restaurant offers require proof of military service, typically in the form of a military ID or DD214 form. Some restaurants may require dine-in only, while others allow drive-thru or takeout options. Many offers specify that they cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.

Conclusion: Both Thanksgiving and Veterans Day provide opportunities for military service members to receive free meals and discounts. While Thanksgiving focuses on community-based resources through military bases, VFW posts, and veterans service organizations, Veterans Day offers numerous restaurant promotions across the country. Veterans are encouraged to check with local establishments for participation details and to verify eligibility requirements.

Thanksgiving Resources And Veterans Day Free Meals For Military Service Members

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