Comprehensive Guide To Veterans Day Free Meals And Discounts For Military Service Members

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, presents an opportunity for businesses and organizations to express gratitude to military service members through complimentary meals, discounts, and special offers. This guide provides a detailed overview of the freebies and discounts available to veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day 2016, as well as information about other notable offers in subsequent years. The information is compiled from verified sources including local news outlets, official restaurant announcements, and veteran service organizations.

Restaurant Freebies and Special Offers

Restaurants across the United States traditionally offer complimentary meals or special discounts to honor military service members on Veterans Day. These offers typically require proof of military service, such as a valid military ID or other documentation. The following restaurants provided free meals to veterans and active military personnel in 2016:

Regional Restaurant Offers (2016)

In North Texas, several local establishments participated in Veterans Day celebrations by offering complimentary meals:

• Abacus and Jasper's provided a complimentary entree with presentation of a valid military ID.
• Aspen Creek Grill offered service members a choice of six FREE entrees during the hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Norma's Cafe served FREE breakfast all day at all four DFW locations for veterans.
• Silver Fox Steakhouse provided a FREE entree up to $35 value for all veterans and active military personnel.
• Wolf Den in Gainesville offered FREE meals, with the exception of steaks and gratuity charges.

National Chain Restaurant Offers (2016)

Several national restaurant chains also participated in Veterans Day 2016 with special offers:

• Applebee's allowed veterans and active military to choose one of seven FREE signature items.
• Bonefish Grill provided Bang Bang shrimp on the house to customers presenting a valid military ID.
• Red Lobster offered a FREE appetizer or dessert from their select Veterans Day menu from November 10-11, requiring proof of valid military identification.
• Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews provided a FREE Red's Tavern Double Burger with bottomless Steak Fries with proof of service.
• Ruby Tuesday's offered a FREE appetizer (up to $10 value) at participating locations, requiring proof of service.
• T.G.I. Friday's provided a FREE lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at select locations, requiring valid ID or proof of service.
• World of Beer offered a FREE select draught beer with no purchase necessary.
• Yard House provided a complimentary appetizer with no purchase requirement.

Additional Restaurant Offers in Subsequent Years

While focusing on 2016 offers, it's worth noting that several restaurants have continued their Veterans Day traditions in subsequent years:

• Cicis Pizza has invited veterans and active military to eat free on Veterans Day, offering a FREE buffet.
• Krispy Kreme has provided a FREE doughnut and a free small hot or iced coffee on Veterans Day.
• Little Caesars has given away a free HOT-NREADY Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage, to veterans and active military members who visit between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and mention the offer.
• Caribou Coffee has offered free small brewed coffee for Veterans, active-duty military, and their spouses.
• Casey's General Store has provided free coffee across its more than 2,200 locations.
• CC's Coffee House has offered free tall brewed coffee for all Veterans and active-duty military.
• Pilot/Flying J has given service members and their families verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app a free meal credit valued up to $12.

Attraction and Entertainment Discounts

Several entertainment venues and attractions offer free admission or special discounts to military service members on Veterans Day:

Free Admission Attractions (2016)

• The Dallas Arboretum in North Texas provided FREE admission to service members and veterans.
• The Fort Worth Zoo offered FREE admission to service members, veterans, and a guest on Sunday for "Heroes Day," which included patriotic-themed entertainment.
• Denton County Transportation Authority provided FREE rides for veterans and active military personnel.

National Park and Recreation Area Discounts

• On Veterans Day, U.S. national parks, recreation parks, and monuments across the country waive their entrance fees. In Arizona, this included Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro National Parks, as well as a dozen recreation areas and national monuments.
• Maricopa County waived the normal $6 entrance fee at its ten parks for military members on November 11.

Service and Other Freebies

Beyond dining and entertainment, several organizations provide valuable services and other freebies to military service members on Veterans Day:

• The Veterans Resource Center in Oak Cliff organized a group of dentists to provide FREE dental care to local veterans.
• Several restaurant chains have offered specific menu items for free, such as:
  • Cracker Barrel provided a free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake.
  • Olive Garden offered active and retired military the opportunity to eat for free at any location with a special menu featuring six options.
  • Hooters allowed military members, both retired and active, to get a free entree with ID or proof of service.
  • BJS Restaurant & Brewhouse offered veterans and active military a free entree (under $12.95) with military ID or proof of service.

How to Access These Offers

To take advantage of Veterans Day freebies and discounts, service members typically need to:

1. Present valid proof of military service, which may include:

   • Military ID card (active duty)
   • Veterans ID card
   • DD-214 discharge papers
   • Other official documentation proving service

2. Visit participating locations during the specified timeframes, which vary by establishment.

3. Be aware that some offers are valid only on Veterans Day (November 11), while others may extend over the weekend or a specific period around the holiday.

4. Check with individual locations, as participation may vary by franchise or regional availability.

5. Consider making reservations where appropriate, especially for restaurants expecting high volume.

Conclusion

Veterans Day provides numerous opportunities for military service members to enjoy complimentary meals, attractions, and services as a token of appreciation for their service. From local restaurants in North Texas to national chains and entertainment venues, businesses across the country participate in honoring veterans and active military personnel with special offers. While this guide primarily focuses on 2016 offers, many establishments have made these annual traditions, with similar offers available in subsequent years. Service members should verify details with individual locations, as participation and specific offerings may change annually.

Sources

1. Fox 4 News Veterans Day Freebies
2. VA News Veterans Day Discounts
3. ABC15 Veterans Day Freebies
4. Wichita on the Cheap Veterans Day Freebies