The 30 Most Popular Veterans Day Offers

Many restaurants and stores honor veterans each Veterans Day.Getty
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. November 11, 1908, became known as Armistice Day, the day hostilities ceased. In 1954, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day to celebrate the service of all military veterans. Today, Veterans Day is celebrated as a national holiday. The official date is November 11, 2018. However, this year it is federally recognized on November 12, 2018. That’s good news for all current and former military members because many places are celebrating Veterans Day on the 11th, or 12th, or both!
Veterans Day celebrations include ceremonies, parades, speeches and community events. Many restaurants and retail stores also choose to honor current and former military members with special offers, free meals and discounts.
A few quick rules of engagement before you go:
Most companies require some form of military ID or proof of service (military ID, Veterans ID Card, DD 214, Veterans designator on drivers license, etc.).
Please call ahead to verify participation, times, and locations. Participation may vary, especially with franchises.
Please tip your waitstaff on the full meal price before discounts – it’s the right thing to do!
Be sure to show your appreciation.
Here are some of the more popular Veterans Day offers this year:
Free Meals on Veterans Day
Hundreds of restaurants are offering free meals this Veterans Day. We have a list of some of the more popular national restaurant chains. But be sure to check with local and regional restaurants as well because there are far too many to list here.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Applebee’s
Buffalo Wild Wings
California Pizza Kitchen
Famous Dave’s (November 11-12)
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants
Olive Garden
On the Border
Red Robin
Texas Roadhouse
Monday, November. 12, 2018
Denny’s
Golden Corral
Shoney’s
Twin Peaks
Here is a full list with almost 100 restaurants offering free meals, desserts, and appetizers on Veterans Day.
Retail Discounts & Freebies
Free Car Washes:
Over 3,500 car washes across the country have banded together to offer veterans a free car wash on Veterans Day. Visit the Grace for Vets website for the full list of participating car washes.
Free Haircuts:
Great Clips, November 11, 2018. Free haircut for current and former military members. Non-veterans who get a haircut on Veterans Day be given a card which any veteran can redeem for a free haircut. More info.
Sports Clips, November 11, 2018. Participating locations are offering current and former military members a free haircut on Veterans Day. See the full list of participating stores.
Retail Discounts:
Many stores are also offering discounts on Veterans Day. Here are some of the more popular offers this year:
Lowe’s – 10% off for current and former military members. Some exclusions may apply. May also need to sign up for the free MyLowe’s membership.
The Home Depot – 10% off for current and former military members. Some exclusions may apply.
Publix – 10% off groceries for current and former military and their families. Some exclusions apply (not valid for prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery tickets, postage stamps, and money services).
Veterans Day Events & Activities
Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Day Celebrations: Many local VA centers, hospitals, and cemeteries feature a Veterans Day ceremony. Contact your local VA center for more information.
Veterans Day Parades: Many towns and cities feature Veterans Day parades. Check with your local news organization or veterans service organization.
Aquariums, Zoos, and Wildlife Parks
Many zoos and aquariums offer free entrance, including those in Birmingham, AL, Cincinnati, OH, Nashville, TN, Newport, KY, Seattle, WA, and more.
Free Museum Admission
Participating Museums include:
The Country Music Hall of Fame – free admission November 10 – 12 for member and up to 3 additional family members.
Harley-Davidson Museum – free admission November 9 – 11 with valid Military or Veterans ID for 1 additional adult and up to 4 children 18 years old or younger.
National September 11 Memorial & Museum – free admission November 7 – 11, and half-price admission for up to two additional tickets.
Pro Football Hall of Fame – free admission throughout November, valid for member and one guest.
Here’s wishing you a safe and happy Veterans Day.
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