Veterans Day Freebies And Discounts A Guide To Free Meals Haircuts Car Washes And More For Service Members

Veterans Day is a significant occasion in the United States dedicated to honoring military veterans for their service and sacrifice. During this time, numerous businesses across the country participate in showing appreciation by offering special promotions, free products, and discounted services exclusively for veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers span a wide range of categories, including dining, personal care, automotive services, and entertainment. Understanding the details of these promotions—including eligibility requirements, redemption processes, and participating locations—can help eligible individuals take full advantage of the available benefits.

The offers typically require proof of military service, such as a military ID, veteran status verification, or wearing a military uniform. Many promotions are available only on Veterans Day, while some businesses extend discounts or freebies year-round. It is important to note that offers may vary by location, especially for franchises, and participating locations should be verified in advance.

Veterans Day Dining Offers: Free Meals and Discounts

A significant portion of Veterans Day freebies centers around dining, with many restaurants providing complimentary meals or substantial discounts to veterans and active-duty service members. These offers often include select menu items and may require dine-in service.

Select Restaurant Offers

Several restaurants have been known to offer free meals or discounts on Veterans Day. For example, 7-eleven provides free coffee or a Big Gulp for those who sign up or register with the 7Rewards program, and military members also receive discounts on gas through the program year-round. Long Doggers in Florida offers veterans $20 vouchers on Veterans Day, along with a 10% off meal discount for veterans and active military and a free appetizer or dessert for their table, available for dine-in and call-in orders. Lucille’s Smokehouse in California provides a free meal plus a $10 bonus card for future use, and offers a 25% off discount for the entire table for veterans and active military on Veterans Day.

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant in the Northeast offers veterans 50% off an entree. Max & Erma’s in the Midwest provides veterans with 25% off on Veterans Day, though this may vary by location. Veterans, active military, Gold Star spouses, and Gold Star parents can get a half-priced entree at some locations on Sunday, November 9. Old Texas Brewery in Texas offers a free meal from a select menu and a custom challenge coin for veterans and active military. Olive Garden offers a free entrée from a select Veterans Day menu with the purchase of a beverage. On the Border is likely to offer a free Choose 2 Combo Meal for veterans and active military, consistent with previous years. Outback Steakhouse offers a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage, plus discounts on meals; Outback also offers a 10% Heroes Discount every day for veterans, servicemembers, and first responders. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille offers veterans and active military personnel two exclusive dine-in offers available from 4 p.m. to close on Tuesday, November 11: one complimentary Perry’s Dinner-Cut Pork Chop for each veteran accompanied by one guest who purchases a full-priced dinner entrée (half-price for veterans dining alone or with other veterans) or Perry’s specially crafted 3-Course Military Menu for just $39.

Regional and Franchise Variations

Some dining offers are regional or dependent on franchise ownership. 151 Coffee, located in Texas and Kansas, offers free coffee or drinks for veterans and family. Acola Coffee Company in Columbia, MO, usually offers a free house drip to veterans. Aroma Joe’s in New England and Florida usually offers a free hot or iced 24-ounce drink. Burger Republic in Tennessee provides a free burger or meal for veterans and service members. Burntwood Tavern in Ohio and Florida offers vary by location but may include a free or discounted meal for veterans. Calhoun’s in Tennessee designates Veterans Day as “Veterans Eat Free” Day, offering a free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu and beverage. Another location offers a free dine-in appetizer or dessert and non-alcoholic beverage for veterans and active-duty personnel.

It is noted that there isn’t an official company-wide promotion for Veterans Day for some chains, so offers are determined by local franchise owners. However, it is common to see franchises offer free breakfast combos or coffee to veterans and active military on Veterans Day. For independent or smaller businesses, such as local barber shops and salons, it is recommended to check websites, social media pages, or call ahead to find out about available deals.

Veterans Day Free Haircuts and Grooming Services

Personal care services are another popular category for Veterans Day freebies, with several national chains offering complimentary haircuts to honor service members.

Haircut Offers

Great Clips offers a free haircut on Veterans Day. If a veteran is unable to visit a Great Clips location on Veterans Day, they can redeem a haircut card later. Sport Clips also provides a free haircut for veterans on Veterans Day; it is advisable to check local locations for specific hours. Local barber shops and salons may also offer free or discounted haircuts or other services, and interested individuals should check websites, social media pages, or call ahead to verify availability.

Other Wellness and Grooming Services

Planet Fitness offers free access to the gym for veterans, usually on Veterans Day only. This provides an opportunity for veterans to focus on self-care and wellness.

Veterans Day Free Car Washes and Automotive Deals

Automotive services, including car washes and oil changes, are frequently offered as freebies or discounts for veterans on Veterans Day.

Car Wash Programs

Grace for Vets Car Wash Program offers free car washes at thousands of locations nationwide. Individuals can find a location near them to participate. Some local chains or national providers like Mr. Clean Car Wash may also offer free car washes, though specific details were not provided in the source data.

Oil Changes and Automotive Maintenance

Meineke offers free oil changes for veterans at select locations. Availability should be checked with the local location. Jiffy Lube usually offers a 50% discount on oil changes on Veterans Day and provides a 15% military discount year-round, though this varies by location. Valvoline Instant Oil Change usually offers a free oil change on Veterans Day and provides a 15% military discount year-round.

Veterans Day Amusement Parks, Zoos, and Other Experiences

Several entertainment venues offer free admission or discounted tickets to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day or during surrounding periods.

Zoos and Aquariums

The Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio offers free admission for veterans on the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day, with discounted tickets available for family members. The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta offers free admission for active military and veterans, plus a 30% discount in the gift shop, on November 10-11 and other “Military Mondays.”

Theme Parks and Historical Sites

Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia offers free admission during Veterans Day weekend, from Friday, November 7 through Tuesday, November 11, to all active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen, and their immediate dependents. Knott’s Berry Farm in California offers discounted tickets for veterans, military members, and family during Military Tribute Days, Monday through Thursday, November 3–20 and December 1–18.

First Responders and Additional Categories

While the primary focus is on veterans, some businesses extend similar offers to first responders on Veterans Day. Chili’s offers a free meal or 20% off for firefighters, police officers, and EMS workers. Starbucks offers a free drink for first responders on Veterans Day, though participation should be checked at local stores. Kohl’s offers discounts on purchases for first responders, with specific deals that may apply on Veterans Day. It is noted that similar to military veterans, many businesses extend Veterans Day offers to first responders as a token of gratitude for their service.

Important Considerations for Redeeming Offers

When seeking to redeem Veterans Day freebies, several factors should be considered to ensure a smooth experience.

Verification and Documentation

Most offers require proof of military service. Acceptable forms of identification typically include a military ID, VA card, or wearing a military uniform. Some businesses may also accept other forms of verification, such as membership in veterans' organizations or online verification services, though specific requirements are not detailed in the source data.

Location and Availability

Offers may vary by location, particularly for franchises and independently owned businesses. It is crucial to call ahead or check the business’s website or social media pages to confirm participation, hours of operation, and any specific restrictions. For example, Free hot brewed coffee locations are independently owned and operated, so it is recommended to call ahead to verify any deals.

Purchase Requirements and Restrictions

Some offers may require a purchase. For instance, Olive Garden’s free entrée requires the purchase of a beverage. Other offers, such as Perry’s Steakhouse offer, require a guest to purchase a full-priced entrée to receive the free pork chop for the veteran. Dine-in only restrictions are common for free meal offers, as seen with the Free meal from select menu for veterans and active military at various restaurants.

Year-Round Discounts

In addition to Veterans Day-specific offers, many businesses provide year-round military discounts. For example, 7-eleven offers military members discounts on gas through the 7Rewards program year-round. Long Doggers offers a 10% off meal for veterans and active military year-round. Jiffy Lube provides a 15% military discount year-round. Outback Steakhouse offers a 10% Heroes Discount every day for veterans, servicemembers, and first responders. These year-round benefits can provide ongoing value beyond the Veterans Day period.

Conclusion

Veterans Day freebies offer a meaningful way for businesses to express gratitude to military veterans and active-duty personnel. The range of available offers includes free meals at a variety of restaurants, complimentary haircuts and grooming services, free car washes and oil changes, and discounted or free admission to amusement parks and zoos. To successfully redeem these offers, veterans should be prepared to provide proof of military service, verify offer details with participating locations, and be aware of any restrictions such as dine-in requirements or purchase obligations. By taking advantage of these promotions, veterans can enjoy a day of appreciation and savings.

Sources

1. Veterans Day Freebies
2. Veterans Day Free Stuff