Fort Walton Beach Veterans Day 2025 Complete Guide To Free Meals And Military Discounts

Veterans Day is a significant occasion to honor and celebrate those who have served in the U.S. military. This federal holiday, originally established as Armistice Day in 1918 to commemorate the end of World War I, was officially renamed Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight Eisenhower. Each year on November 11th, communities across the nation come together to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

In Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding areas, Veterans Day is marked by a variety of special events, ceremonies, and generous offers from local businesses. This comprehensive guide details the free meals, discounts, and activities available to military personnel during the 2025 Veterans Day celebrations, providing essential information for veterans and active-duty members planning to participate in the tributes and enjoy the appreciation expressed by the community.

Restaurant Free Meals and Special Offers

Many restaurants in the Fort Walton Beach area extend their gratitude to military personnel by offering complimentary meals and special discounts on Veterans Day. These expressions of appreciation typically require valid military identification for verification and may be subject to specific terms and conditions.

Applebee's

Applebee's restaurants in the Fort Walton Beach region will provide complimentary full-size entrées from an exclusive Veterans Day menu to active-duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members. The 2025 Veterans Day menu features seven popular entrée options, including:

• 6 oz top sirloin
• Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
• Fiesta Lime Chicken
• Chicken Tenders Platter
• Double Crunch Shrimp
• Oriental Grilled Chicken Salad
• Three-Cheese Chicken Penne

Participating locations include: - Applebee's Miramar Beach - Applebee's Crestview

The offer is valid for dine-in customers only, and military members or veterans should be prepared to prove service with a valid ID or photograph of themselves in uniform.

TGI Friday's

TGI Friday's is offering $12 off meals for all veterans and active-duty members in honor of Veterans Day. Eligible customers can choose to use the offer on either Sunday or Monday. The discount applies to any item from a limited menu and is available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Fort Walton Beach TGI Friday's is located at 547 Mary Esther Cut Off N.W. For more information, customers may call 244-0003 or visit the official website.

IHOP

Active-duty members and veterans can enjoy a complimentary stack of Red, White and Blueberry Pancakes at participating IHOP locations on Monday. Two locations in the Fort Walton Beach area are participating:

• IHOP Fort Walton Beach: 348 Miracle Strip Pkwy
• IHOP Destin: 10859 Emerald Coast Parkway

This offer provides a sweet start to the day for military personnel looking to celebrate Veterans Day with a free breakfast meal.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Veterans and active-duty members can begin their Veterans Day with a free doughnut and coffee at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. The participating location is:

• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: 795 Hwy. 98 East, Destin

For additional information about this offer, customers may visit the official Krispy Kreme website.

Golden Corral

Golden Corral will provide a complimentary buffet and beverage to veterans, active-duty members, retirees, National Guard, and reserve members on Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This offer is dine-in only.

All Golden Corral locations will be participating, including the Fort Walton Beach restaurant located at 414A Mary Esther Cut Off N.W.

Additional National Chain Offers

While not all national chains have specific Fort Walton Beach locations listed in the source materials, several other restaurant and food establishments are participating in Veterans Day appreciation events across the country:

Bombshells Restaurant and Bar

All 10 Bombshells Restaurant & Bar locations will provide free meals for veterans on November 11. Additionally, active-duty service members and accompanying family members will receive a 20% discount.

Break Time

Break Time will give all veterans a free fountain drink or coffee on Veterans Day at participating locations.

Bruegger's Bagels

Veterans can receive a free medium fresh-brewed hot or iced coffee with their breakfast on Veterans Day at participating Bruegger's Bagels locations.

Buffalo Wild Wings

All day on Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military who dine in or call for takeout at their local Buffalo Wild Wings can receive a free order of boneless wings and a side of fries at participating U.S. locations.

Buffalo Wings & Rings

Veterans and active-duty military with valid ID will receive three free tenders and a drink on Veterans Day at participating Buffalo Wings & Rings locations.

Veterans Day Events and Activities

Beyond the restaurant offers, Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding area host several meaningful events and activities to honor veterans during this important holiday.

Honors Games at HarborWalk Village

The Honors Games are an annual Veterans Day event hosted in HarborWalk Village of nearby Destin. This celebration is designed specifically to honor veterans and includes a variety of events along the Harbor. The ceremony features a historical remembrance moment and recognition of those who have served in every branch of the military. Attendees can enjoy a vintage flyover air show as well as patriotic entertainment throughout the day.

Veterans Day Parade in Crestview

Just 30 minutes by car from Fort Walton Beach, the city of Crestview hosts an annual Veterans Day Parade on Main Street. The parade begins at 9:00 a.m., followed immediately by a ceremony honoring veterans at 11:00 a.m. This family-friendly event serves as a highlight of the Veterans Day celebration in the region.

Fort Walton Beach Landing Park

Veterans Day in Fort Walton Beach typically coincides with mild weather, making it an ideal time to visit Fort Walton Beach Landing Park. Located at 139 Brooks Street SE, this scenic space offers:

• Play areas for children
• Waterfront walkways
• Water access points
• A rock climbing wall for adventurous visitors
• A concert stage for live musical performances

The park also hosts a local farmer's market on weekends, providing additional opportunities for visitors to enjoy the area's offerings during their Veterans Day visit.

Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier

Another excellent destination for Veterans Day in Fort Walton Beach is the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. While it's a prime spot for anglers in the early morning hours, the pier offers various activities throughout the day:

• Scenic strolls
• Sightseeing opportunities
• People-watching
• Access to the sandy shoreline below for enjoying the waves

The pier provides a peaceful setting for veterans and their families to relax and appreciate the natural beauty of the area during the holiday.

Planning Your Veterans Day Visit

When planning to participate in Veterans Day celebrations and take advantage of the free meals and discounts in Fort Walton Beach, consider the following recommendations:

Verification Requirements

Most restaurants offering free meals or discounts to military personnel require proof of service. Veterans and active-duty members should be prepared to present:

• A valid military ID
• A photograph of themselves in uniform
• Other official documentation verifying military service

It's advisable to contact specific venues in advance to confirm acceptable forms of identification and any additional requirements.

Operating Hours and Dates

While Veterans Day is officially celebrated on November 11th, many businesses extend their offers through the following day (Monday). Some restaurants may have specific time restrictions on their offers, such as:

• TGI Friday's: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Golden Corral: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday

Checking the specific terms and conditions for each offer is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Making Reservations

Popular restaurants may experience higher than usual traffic during Veterans Day celebrations. Making reservations in advance, where possible, can help ensure a smoother experience and reduce wait times.

Family Participation

Some offers, such as the one at Bombshells Restaurant and Bar, extend discounts to accompanying family members of active-duty service members. Families should verify which venues include family members in their offers to maximize the appreciation experience.

Conclusion

Veterans Day in Fort Walton Beach offers numerous opportunities to honor and celebrate those who have served in the U.S. military. From complimentary meals at local restaurants to meaningful ceremonies and scenic activities, the community provides various ways to express gratitude and recognition.

Military personnel can enjoy free meals at establishments like Applebee's, TGI Friday's, IHOP, Krispy Kreme, and Golden Corral, with specific offerings varying by location and time. Additionally, events such as the Honors Games, Veterans Day Parade, and visits to local parks provide meaningful ways to commemorate the day.

When participating in these celebrations, veterans and active-duty members should remember to bring appropriate identification and verify the specific terms of each offer. By taking advantage of these opportunities while respecting the conditions set by participating businesses, military personnel can fully enjoy the community's appreciation on this important holiday.

Sources

1. Veterans Day in Fort Walton Beach Area
2. Veterans Day Deals: Local Restaurants Offer Free Meals
3. Veterans Day Discounts and Free Meals
4. Veterans Day 2025 Freebies and Discounts