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.”
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
Are we missing a discount? Email us at editor@ems1.com and we’ll add it to our list.
Restaurants
1. Denny’s: Veterans can receive an Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon at paraticpating locations.
2. Texas Roadhouse: Veterans can receive a voucher for a free meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 11, which can be redeemed through May 2026.
3. Applebee’s: On Nov. 11, all veterans and active duty military members will receive a free entrée from a special menu. Dine-in only.
4. Black Angus Steakhouse: Veterans, active and retired military, first responders, healthcare personnel and teachers can get 15% off their dine-in or online order. ID required.
5. Buffalo Wild Wings: Get 10 free boneless wings and fries with a valid ID on Nov. 11.
6. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Veterans can get a free Sunrise Pancake Special when they dine in.
7. 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.
8. Dunkin’ Donuts: Veterans and active duty members can choose a free doughnut of their choice — no ID or purchase required (in-store only) on Nov. 11.
9. IHOP: Who doesn’t love pancakes? On Nov. 11, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., active duty military members and veterans can receive a free order of red, white and blueberry pancakes (proof of service required). Dine-in only.
10. 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.
11. 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 also offers a 10% military discount to both veterans and active-duty service members all year.
12. Krispy Kreme: Veterans will receive a free doughnuts of choice and a small brewed coffee (hot or iced) on Nov. 11.
13. Outback Steakhouse: Veterans, active duty members and spouses will get a Aussie 3-Course Meal (dine-in only) on Nov. 10-11. The steakhouse also regularly provides a 10% discount for military veterans and first responders every day.
14. Peet’s Coffee: Active military and veterans get a free Peet’s Coffee drip coffee or tea on Nov. 11.
15. Red Robin: On Nov. 11 veterans can get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger. Dine-in only.
16. Starbucks: Active duty, veterans and military spouses can get a free 12-ounce hot or iced coffee on Veterans Day at participating locations.
17. Smoothie King: Select locations are giving active military and veterans free 20-ounce red, white or blue smoothies (with valid ID).
Services, goods & apparel
18. 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. 6 through Nov. 11.
19. 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 from Oct. 19 through Nov. 11.
20. 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.
21. Wise Food Storage: Veterans and military personnel can receive 10% off the lowest price with the code HERO10 at checkout.
Travel & lodging
22. 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.
23. Holland America Line: Active, retired or veteran military members get a $100 onboard credit per stateroom with the purchase of a new cruise. Verification of status required.
24. Sandals Resort or Beaches Resort: Veterans and first responders can enjoy 10% off year-round.
This article, originally published in November 2016. It has been updated with new information.