Free Meals and Food Deals on Veterans Day
Many national restaurant chains offer free or discounted meals to veterans on Veterans Day. Applebee's typically provides a free entrée from a select menu on November 11, while IHOP offers a free stack of pancakes. Red Lobster often gives a complimentary meal to veterans and active-duty military, and Olive Garden usually provides a free entrée as well. These offers generally require valid military ID or proof of service. For more details on restaurant participation, check the Veterans Day deals page on Forbes.
Fast-food and casual dining brands frequently extend these benefits to veterans and sometimes to their families. Starbucks has offered free drinks or food items on Veterans Day in recent years, and Burger King has provided free value meals. Local and regional restaurants often join the nationwide effort, so checking with nearby eateries is recommended. These food-related perks are among the most widely publicized veterans day benefits.
Retail and Service Discounts for Veterans
Major retailers and service providers regularly offer veterans discounts around Veterans Day. Home Depot provides a 10% military discount on eligible purchases, and Lowe's offers a similar discount for veterans and active-duty military. Verizon and AT&T have provided special wireless plan discounts for veterans, while Amazon Prime sometimes offers discounted or free memberships for verified veterans. These offers can extend beyond the holiday itself.
Automotive brands and dealerships have also participated in veterans day promotions. In recent years, companies like Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota have offered special discounts or bonus cash for veterans. Some auto insurance providers, including USAA, provide exclusive rates for military members and veterans. These retail and service discounts are often highlighted alongside restaurant deals in national promotional campaigns.
Other Veterans Day Benefits and How to Verify Offers
Beyond meals and retail, veterans can access a range of other benefits on Veterans Day. Many national parks waive entrance fees for veterans and their families, and some museums and entertainment venues offer free admission. Airlines such as Southwest and Delta have occasionally provided discounted or waived fees for veterans traveling on or around November 11. Financial institutions and insurance companies also frequently run special promotions for military members.
To confirm current offers, veterans should check official company websites and trusted deal aggregators. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars publish updated lists of Veterans Day deals each year. Always bring valid military identification, and verify eligibility requirements directly with the offering company before visiting a location.