Complete Guide To 2024 Veterans Day Free Meals Discounts And Special Offers

Veterans Day 2024 falls on Monday, November 11, a federal holiday observed to honor and celebrate those who have served or continue to serve in the U.S. military. Across the country, businesses show their appreciation by offering special deals, free meals, discounts, and complimentary services to veterans and active-duty military personnel. This comprehensive guide outlines the various freebies and special offers available on Veterans Day 2024, organized by category for easy reference.

Restaurant Free Meals and Special Offers

Numerous restaurants participate in Veterans Day celebrations by offering complimentary meals and special discounts to military personnel. These offers typically require proof of service, such as a military ID, DD214 form, or other documentation. Participation may vary by location, especially for franchise establishments, so it's recommended to call ahead or check with individual locations.

Applebee's has established itself as a consistent supporter of veterans, offering a special Veterans Day meal from a selection of entrees for the 18th consecutive year. The dine-in offer includes a complimentary meal, though beverages and gratuity are not included. Acceptable forms of proof of military service include U.S. Uniformed Services ID, Retired ID card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card, DD214 and citation or commendation, or wearing a uniform or showing a photo in uniform.

Another Broken Egg Cafe provides veterans and active duty service members with a free Patriot French toast combo and coffee on November 11 at participating locations. This offer is valid with a proper military ID and is available for dine-in only.

Golden Corral hosts its annual Military Appreciation Night on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2024, from 4 p.m. until closing. The restaurant honors military heroes with a free "thank you" meal available to anyone who has served in the U.S. military, including retirees, veterans, active duty personnel, National Guard, or Reserves members.

Einstein Bros. Bagels demonstrates appreciation by offering a free hot or iced coffee of any size to all veterans and active duty service members. This complimentary beverage can be enjoyed in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using the code FREECOFFEE, with no purchase required.

Houlihan's joins the Veterans Day celebrations by offering 50% off select entrees available for dine-in only. The discounted menu items include Shrimp scampi, Houlihan's cheeseburger, whole grain veggie burger, meatloaf No. 9, fish and chips, stuffed chicken breast, heartland grilled chicken, and chicken parmesan.

Green Mill expresses gratitude by offering a free menu item choice of a 2-topping personal pizza, desert fire pasta, Western mill burger, or cobb salad with chicken to all veterans.

Hamburger Stand provides a simple but appreciated offering of a free hamburger, regular fries, and small soda to veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11.

Freddy's offers veterans and current military personnel a meal card valid for any FREE combo meal of their choice on Veterans Day.

Freebirds joins the appreciation efforts by offering 50% off any order at participating locations for all military members, veterans, and active-duty service personnel.

Source materials also mention several other restaurants that typically participate in Veterans Day free meal programs, including Chipotle, Panera Bread, IHOP, McDonald's, Starbucks, Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, Outback Steakhouse, Chili's, and Friendly's. While specific offers for 2024 aren't detailed in the source materials, these establishments have a history of providing special deals to military personnel on Veterans Day.

Retail and Service Discounts

Beyond complimentary meals, many retail establishments and service providers offer special discounts and free services to honor veterans on Veterans Day.

The Barbershop hosts its 4th annual veterans event at its Darboy location, offering free haircuts and services to men and women who have served in the armed forces. This personal touch of appreciation helps veterans look their best while receiving recognition for their service.

Brown County Rifle Range demonstrates its support by offering free admission to the Reforestation Camp Rifle Range, which normally costs $7 per gun/bow or shooter. Additionally, veterans and active-duty military members can receive free gun and archery sighting services from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., with access to 10 shooting lanes, archery and crossbow lanes, targets, and hearing protection provided.

Entertainment and Attraction Freebies

Many entertainment venues and attractions open their doors to veterans and military personnel with complimentary admission or special discounts on Veterans Day.

Monticello, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, offers free admission to U.S. military veterans for Veterans Day weekend, November 9-11, 2024. The free admission includes the Gardens and Grounds Pass or the Highlights Tour, though it does not apply to special or after-hours tours such as the Private Behind-the-Scenes Tour. This offer is based on availability.

Montpelier, the home of James Madison, expresses its gratitude by offering a free one-day property pass to the grounds and a free "Highlights of Montpelier" tour to U.S. military service members on Veterans Day with a valid military ID.

Mount Vernon, the historic estate of George Washington, admits all active duty, former or retired military personnel free of charge on Veterans Day. Service members can pick up their free tickets upon arrival, though this offer does not extend to family members or guests.

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers complimentary general admission to active and retired Veterans on November 9, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame hosts a Veterans Day event and expo offering: - Free admission to all U.S. service members, National Guard members, and veterans plus one guest - Free admission for Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Families - A free commemorative Veterans Day pin (while supplies last) - 20% discount at the Hall of Fame Store for these groups

San Antonio Zoo honors active duty, retired, and veteran members of the military, National Guard, and reserves with free admission. Additionally, up to four immediate family members can receive 50% off Any Day Tickets on the date of visit.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will be honoring all who served by offering free admission to veterans from November 9-11.

How to Access These Offers

To take advantage of Veterans Day freebies and special offers, military personnel and veterans should follow these general guidelines:

1. Prepare Proper Documentation: Most offers require proof of military service. Acceptable forms typically include:

   • Military ID card (active duty)
   • DD214 discharge papers (veterans)
   • Veterans organization card (American Legion, VFW, etc.)
   • Retired military ID
   • Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
   • Citation or commendation
   • Wearing military uniform (in some cases)
   • Photo of oneself in uniform (in some cases)

2. Verify Location Participation: Many offers, particularly at restaurant chains, may not be available at all locations due to franchise policies. It's recommended to:

   • Call ahead to confirm participation
   • Check the company's official website
   • Look for signage at the location

3. Check Offer Details: Be aware of specific restrictions such as:

   • Dine-in only requirements
   • Beverage and gratuity exclusions
   • Time limitations (some offers may be valid only during certain hours)
   • Date validity (offers are typically for Veterans Day only)
   • Item limitations (specific menu items only)

4. Arrive Early: Popular free meal offers may draw large crowds, so arriving early can help avoid long waits or potential sell-outs of complimentary items.

5. Bring Family When Applicable: Some offers extend to family members or include guest passes, so inquire about bringing companions when possible.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2024 presents numerous opportunities for military personnel and veterans to receive recognition through complimentary meals, discounts, and special services. From restaurant free meals to attraction admissions, businesses across various sectors demonstrate their appreciation for those who have served. By preparing proper documentation and verifying participation in advance, veterans can make the most of these special offers.

While this guide covers many of the available offers, it's important to note that additional opportunities may arise as Veterans Day approaches. Local businesses and organizations often participate with their own special recognitions, so checking community resources and local news sources can uncover additional opportunities to celebrate and be appreciated on this important holiday.

The availability of these offers may be subject to change, and participation requirements may vary. Veterans and active-duty personnel are encouraged to confirm details directly with the businesses or attractions they plan to visit.

Sources

1. Today is Veterans Day 2025; find the free meals, deals, freebies near me
2. Veterans Day 2025: free meals, coffee and taquitos for military, retired vets
3. Veterans Day 2024 deals and discounts
4. Veterans Day 2025 freebies, discounts and donations
5. 2024 Veterans Day discounts and complimentary meals