Memorial Day 2018 Complete Guide To Military Free Meals And Discounts

Memorial Day 2018 provided numerous opportunities for active duty military personnel and veterans to enjoy free meals, discounts, and special offers as a token of appreciation for their service. Across the United States, restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues extended special benefits to military members and their families during the holiday weekend. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the available offers, eligibility requirements, and participation details to help military personnel maximize their Memorial Day benefits.

Restaurant Free Meals and Discounts

Numerous restaurant chains and local eateries offered complimentary meals or significant discounts to military personnel during Memorial Day 2018. These offers varied by establishment, with some requiring the purchase of another item while others provided completely free meals.

Firebirds Grill offered veterans and active duty service members a free meal with the purchase of another meal, with the free meal being equal to or less than the purchased meal. Participants needed to check the restaurant's website for specific details about the offer.

Hooters provided a free entree to all veterans and active-duty military personnel on Monday, May 28, 2018, with the purchase of a beverage. Eligible entrees included a 10-piece wings, buffalo chicken salad, chicken sandwich, or a Hooters burger. This offer was valid at participating locations with a valid military ID, limited to dine-in service and one offer per person.

Texas Roadhouse extended a similar offer, allowing service members to select a free entree with the purchase of any drink. Notably, this chain also extended eligibility to Gold Star parents and spouses in 2018.

Logan's Roadhouse offered service members a free meal from the American Roadhouse Meals menu on May 28 specifically between 3-6 p.m.

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery provided veterans and active military personnel with a free Magnificent 7 breakfast at participating locations on May 28.

Fogo de Chao, a gaucho style Brazilian steakhouse, offered veterans and active duty military personnel 50% off their meals during Memorial Day. Additionally, their guests (up to seven) received 20% off their tabs.

Outback Steakhouse provided veterans and active military with 20% off their entire check from May 24 to May 28, 2018.

Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt offered 20% off frozen yogurt to all active and retired military every Monday in May 2018 with proof of valid ID.

Several other establishments offered complimentary food items to military personnel, including Krispy Kreme, which provided a free doughnut and cup of coffee on May 28 with military ID presentation.

Retail Shopping Discounts

Retailers across various sectors recognized military service with special Memorial Day discounts in 2018. These offers ranged from percentage discounts on purchases to special promotional pricing.

Food Lion offered 10% off on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2018, for active or retired military personnel. Customers needed to present their military ID and MVP card at checkout to receive the discount, which applied before taxes and with some exclusions. The offer was valid at participating locations.

Kohl's provided veterans with a 10% discount on Memorial Day, though specific details about required identification or participation varied.

Walgreens offered all veterans and active military with a Walgreens Balance Rewards card 20% off regular priced items during the Memorial Day period.

Bass Pro Shops provides an ongoing benefit to military personnel, offering active military, veterans, retirees, National Guardsmen, and Reservists a 5% discount every day with required identification.

Home Depot extended a 10% discount in-store to all military veterans on Memorial Day as a token of appreciation for their service.

Little Caesars offered a special Memorial Day promotion where customers could purchase a large, carry-out, two-topping pizza for just $5.99, though it was unclear if this was specifically for military personnel or available to the general public.

Cabela's participates in the Hometown Heroes program, offering a 5% discount for military personnel (active and retired military, active reservists and VA recipients) plus Law-Enforcement, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Service personnel with proof of service.

Entertainment and Attraction Deals

Several entertainment venues and attractions offered special deals for military personnel during Memorial Day 2018, including discounted admission and special pricing.

Disneyland offered active duty or retired military members the opportunity to purchase specially priced Military Promotional 3-Day or 4-Day park hopper tickets, which enabled visitors to visit each park on each day of their ticket. These tickets needed to be purchased by December 2018 and were valid through December 19, 2018.

Great Wolf Lodge provided the Howling Heroes discount, offering active, retired, and veteran military service members 30% off the best available rates at Orange County's indoor water park hotel. This discount was also extended to fire, police, and correctional officers.

Knott's Berry Farm offered military discounts every day, not just on Memorial Day, with valid Military ID presentation.

Churchill Downs hosted a Military Appreciation Day on Monday, May 28, where active members or veterans of the military could enjoy a day at the races. By showing a valid military ID, they received free general admission or a discounted ticket ($29) to the Millionaires Row dining room. Regular tickets ranged from $3-$39.

The National Park Service offers an annual tradition of free admission to all National Park Service sites on certain holidays, though the provided sources don't specifically confirm this was offered for Memorial Day 2018. However, it was noted that free admission was offered on Veterans Day to all visitors, not just veterans.

Year-Round Military Benefits

While many Memorial Day offers were specific to the holiday weekend, several businesses provide military discounts throughout the year. Understanding these ongoing benefits can help military personnel save money beyond holiday periods.

Bass Pro Shops offers a 5% discount every day for active military, veterans, retirees, National Guardsmen, and Reservists with required identification.

Knott's Berry Farm provides military discounts every day with valid Military ID presentation.

Walgreens offers 20% off regular priced items to all veterans and active military with a Walgreens Balance Rewards card, though it's unclear if this is a year-round promotion or specific to Memorial Day.

Cabela's Hometown Heroes program provides a 5% discount for military personnel year-round with proof of service.

The National Park Service offers free admission to all visitors on certain holidays, including Veterans Day, though specific Memorial Day free admission wasn't confirmed in the sources.

Tips for Maximizing Military Discounts

To take full advantage of Memorial Day and other military discounts, service members should keep several considerations in mind:

1. Always bring valid military identification when seeking discounts, as most businesses require proof of service.
2. Some locations may accept alternative forms of proof such as discharge papers, Veterans Administration cards, or veterans organization membership cards.
3. Participation can vary by location, even within the same chain, so it's advisable to call ahead or check the company website to confirm participation.
4. Some discounts are available year-round, while others are holiday-specific. Understanding which offers are permanent can help with planning.
5. Family members may sometimes be included in discounts, with some businesses offering reduced rates for spouses and children.
6. Balance Rewards cards or loyalty program memberships may be required to receive certain discounts, as noted with Walgreens.
7. Some offers have specific time restrictions or limited menus, so it's important to note the details before visiting.

Conclusion

Memorial Day 2018 provided numerous opportunities for active duty military personnel and veterans to enjoy free meals, discounts, and special offers as a token of appreciation for their service. From complimentary restaurant meals and shopping discounts to special attraction pricing, businesses across various sectors showed their gratitude through these benefits. While many offers were specific to the Memorial Day weekend, several businesses provide ongoing military discounts throughout the year. By understanding the available offers, bringing proper identification, and verifying participation at specific locations, military personnel can maximize these benefits as a well-deserved thank you for their service.

Sources

1. Memorial Day Offers for Military 2018
2. Memorial Day 2018 Deals for Veterans
3. Memorial Day 2018 Best Deals
4. Memorial Day 2018 Where Vets and Military Eat Free
5. Memorial Day Freebies Discounts Military Louisville
6. Best Memorial Day Deals 2018: Orange County
7. Multiple Billings Businesses Offering Special Deals on Veterans Day