Editor’s Note: This article was originally posted Nov. 11, 2016. It has been updated with new information. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for reading and supporting our efforts.
By EMS1 Lifestyle Staff
Veterans Day, which celebrates, thanks and honors all those who have served in the U.S. military, was first observed on November 11, 1919. At the time, it was called Armistice Day, which marked the first anniversary of the end of World War I in 1918. The day — November 11 — was chosen because the war ended on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” It became a federal holiday in 1938, but it wasn’t called “Veterans Day” until 1954.
And because Veterans Day is a special time to show our appreciation and gratitude, many restaurants and retailers send their thanks by offering discounts to military members, with many deals extending to first responders. Below, we have rounded up a variety of discounts as another way to say “thank you.”
If we missed any, email us at editor@ems1.com and we’ll add it to our list.
Featured Deals
Tractor Supply is celebrating heroes with a 10% off deal for verified Hometown Heroes, which includes first responders, military service members, veterans and military family.
Patriot Coolers are built for the battlefield and ready to handle your everyday adventures. First responders and military service members can save 10% on their entire order.
All Other Veterans Day Deals
- 5.11 Tactical: To show its appreciation to those who serve, 5.11 Tactical is offering a 25% discount off entire purchases (in-store and online) from Nov. 8 through Nov. 11.
- 7-Eleven: Veterans and active duty military members can get a free coffee or Big Gulp. Sign in or register with 7Rewards. Note, 7-Eleven stores are independently owned. Please inquire with your local store to see if they’re participating.
- Academy Sports + Outdoors: A 10% discount will be applied to your entire purchase – in-store or online – on Veterans Day to active service members, veterans and first responders through Nov. 13.
- Applebee’s: On Nov. 11, all veterans and active duty military members will receive a free entrée from a special menu. Dine-in only.
- Black Angus Steakhouse: Veterans, active and retired military, first responders, healthcare personnel and teachers can get 15% their dine-in order. ID required.
- Bob Evans: Veterans can get a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Get 10 free boneless wings and fries with a valid ID on Nov. 11.
- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Veterans can get a free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake.
- Chili’s: Veterans and active duty military members get a free meal on Nov. 11 at all participating restaurants. Available dine-in only for select items. Military ID is required to redeem the offer.
- Dunkin’: Veterans and active duty members can choose a free doughnut of their choice – no ID or purchase required (in-store only) on Nov. 11.
- Great Clips: Veterans and active duty members can get a free haircut or free haircut card to use for a future date. Non-military customers who get a haircut can also pay it forward by giving a free haircut card to an active service member or veteran as a token of thanks.
- Heroes Vacation Club: Active and retired police officers, firefighters, medical professionals, military personnel, teachers and government employees can get a free membership travel club for your vacation needs.
- Holland America Line: Active, retired or veteran military members get a $100 onboard credit per stateroom. Verification of status required.
- IHOP: Who doesn’t love pancakes? On Nov. 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., active duty military members and veterans will receive free red, white and blueberry pancakes (proof of service required).
- Little Caesars: The pizza chain will be offering veterans a free HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo at participating locations across the country on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Logan’s Roadhouse: Veterans and active duty service members can enjoy a complimentary meal at participating Logan’s locations on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., choosing from a special menu of fan favorites like cheeseburgers, pork chops, chicken tenders and more. Logan’s offers a 10% military discount to both veterans and active-duty service members all year.
- Krispy Kreme: Veterans will receive a free doughnuts of choice and a small brewed coffee (hot or iced) on Nov. 11.
- National Parks: All U.S. national parks that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone on Nov. 11.
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans, active duty members and spouses will get a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola beverage (dine-in only) on Nov. 11 with the purchase of an adult entree. The steakhouse also regularly provides a 10% discount for military veterans and first responders every day.
- Peet’s Coffee: Active military and veterans get a free Peet’s Coffee drip coffee or tea on Nov. 11.
- Red Robin: On Nov. 11 veterans can get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger. Dine-in only.
- Starbucks: Active duty, veterans and military spouses can get a free 12-ounce hot or iced coffee on Veterans Day at participating locations.
- Smoothie King: Select locations are giving active military and veterans free 20-ounce smoothies (with valid ID).
- Sandals Resort or Beaches Resort: All military members can save 15% off on trips booked before Nov. 16. Veterans and first responders can enjoy 10% off year-round.
- Target: Active duty members and veterans will receive a 10% discount that can be used on two qualifying purchases in-store or online now through Nov. 11.
- Wise Food Storage: Veterans and military personnel can receive 10% off the lowest price with the code BEWISE10 at checkout.
