4th of July, 2015 Military Discounts, Deals, Specials and Freebies for Active Duty and Military Veterans

2015 Independence Day Weekend Military and Veteran Discounts
Many offers come with disclaimers. Please be sure to contact each company directly with any questions/concerns.

Many wonderful organizations have put together special Independence Day “thank you” offerings for veterans and active duty military members (in some cases their respective families as well). Here is a growing list of what some of these companies are offering for July 4th and beyond:

Visit Your Military Veterans Discounts for a full list of military and veterans discounts

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New additions as of July 3rd, 10:30am (EST):

Please join us as we celebrate our military service personnel. Please share with YOUR military heroes so we may have the honor of serving them on July 4th! Veterans and active duty military eat free in participating full-service restaurants.

Seaworld Parks & Entertainment Military Discount
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is proud of our military that serve, defend and protect our country along with American veterans who served and fought.  For your courage, valor and sacrifice, we thank you.  In addition to the current Waves of Honor complimentary program for active military, we are celebrating our heroes for bookings through September 10, 2015 with $38 off single-day admission tickets (off front gate price) for qualified service members and veterans.  This offer can be redeemed through September 10, 2015.  Please check the operating calendars on the park’s websites for specific operating days and park operating hours.  This offer is available to veterans and military members from U.S. only.  This offer is available exclusively online or at participating military bases. This offer is not available at the front gate.  Up to six (6) single-day admissions can be purchased.  Click here for more info.

COSTCO Military Discount
Attention Military Service Members! Join Costco as a new member and receive over $50 in savings! The Membership Activation Card can be purchased by an existing member who is not already an executive member to upgrade their membership. Costco Wholesale is dedicated to bringing members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise.  Via this Exclusive Offer, join Costco as a new member and receive over $50 in savings. This offer is available for all Members of the United States Armed Forces, Veterans and their families. Begin by simply validating your status below. You must validate your status online in order to access and redeem this special offer to join Costco.

Michaels Military Discount
For all your hard work, dedication and patriotism, we at Michaels say Thank You. And for those same reasons, we would like to offer you and your immediate family this special discount every day. Your service to our country means so much. Get 10% off your entire purchase everyday. Simply present your Military ID Card at the register. Some exclusions apply. See Store Associate for details. Available in store only.

Knott’s Berry Farm Military Discount
Special Savings! Show your Military I.D. card at the Knott’s Berry Farm ticket booths to save on Knott’s Berry Farm Regular admission tickets! Show your ID to purchase Knott’s Berry Farm Regular admission tickets for only $41.00. (offer does not apply to Special Ticketed Events, i.e. Knott’s Scary Farm) Save time and buy your tickets in advance. Sign up via our partner, ID.me to purchase in advance or visit your local Military Ticket Office on base.  Click here for more info.

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2015 Independence Day Discounts: Restaurants

Buffalo Wild Wings Military Discount
Many Buffalo Wild Wings offer 10% discounts based on franchise location. Check with your local store first. Must present a valid military ID.

Burger King Military Discount
Some participating locations offer 10% discounts, check with the store first. Typically you must present a valid military ID.

Brick House Tavern + Tap Military Discount
Now through July 5th, Brick House Tavern + Tap will take donations for Operation Homefront. Donate $5 get a free snack. Donate $10 and get a free entree.  Click here for more info

Chevys Fresh Mex Military Discount
10% discount varies by location for active and reserve duty.

Chick-fil-A Military Discount
Some Chick-fil-A locations are offering a 10% discounts.  Always check with the location first. Must present a valid military ID.

Dairy Queen Military Discount
Most Dairy Queen locations offer military discounts. The amount varies by location, but may be as high as 50% off for members who show up in uniform.

Fuddruckers Military Discount
Discounts vary by location, but range from 10-15% off for those who present a military ID.

Outback Steakhouse Military Discount
15% OFF FOR MILITARY FAMILIES. Veterans, servicemen and women – plus their families* can enjoy 15% off through July 4th. Click here for more info.

Shoney’s Military Discount
15% off for all service men and women in uniform. Military, Fire, Police and EMT’s in uniform.

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2015 Independence Day Discounts: Entertainment, Amusement Parks and More

Adventure Aquarium Military Discount
Military families can enjoy an exclusive discount over the Independence Day holiday! Visit Sunday, July 5 for just $10/person. Offer valid for active or retired military, disabled veterans, and military reservists, spouses and dependents when valid military personnel IDs and dependent IDs are presented. Enjoy our 8,500 animals including sharks, sea turtles, hippos, penguins and more. Plus – stay LATE during our Extended Summer Hours, when we keep our doors open till 7 pm. Click here  for more info.

Amtrak Military Discount
Military Personnel Save 10% and Get Ahead of the Ticket Line. With valid active-duty United States Armed Forces identification cards, active-duty US military personnel, their spouses and their dependents are eligible to receive a 10% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains, including for travel on the Auto Train. Just use the Fare Finder at the beginning of your search and select ‘Military’ for each passenger as appropriate to receive the discount. Additionally, Amtrak supports and thanks our troops by welcoming the uniformed military personnel to the head of the ticket line. Click here for more info.

Blue Star Museums Military Discount
Blue Star Museums is a partnership among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, Joining Forces, MetLife Foundation and museums across the country. From Memorial Day (May 25, 2015) through Labor Day (September 7, 2015), thousands of museums, art centers, and exhibits are offering free admission to all active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and their families. Click here for more info.

Carowinds Military Discount
Beginning Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5 the park will also pay tribute to our brave service men and women during Military Days. Free park admission will be offered to any active, inactive or retired United States Service men and women with a valid military I.D. Military discounts will also be available at various retail locations throughout the park. Click here for more info.

Cedar Point Military Discount
All active, retired & honorably discharged members of our Armed Forces will receive FREE admission to Cedar Point, Friday through Sunday, July 3-5. Immediate family members can also receive our Military Discount for $39.99 each. These offers are only available at park ticket windows and proper ID is required. Valid forms of ID include Active Duty ID, Retired Personnel ID, VA ID and copy of DD-214 discharge papers w/photo ID. Click here for more information.

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Military Discount
Members of the military receive free admission on July 4, 2015.  The offer also allows military personnel to purchase half-price admission tickets for members of their immediate family. 

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Military Discount
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is offering free admission and discounted Zoombezi Bay admission to military and their immediate family, June 29 through July 5, 2015. Click here for more info.

Dorney Park Military Discount
Dorney Park outside Allentown, Pennsylvania offers free regular admission to any active or retired military personnel July 3-5, 2015. Military members can also purchase discount admission tickets for members of their immediate family (maximum of six). Click here more for info.

Funderland Military Discount
Funderland Amusement Park in Sacramento, CA is offering military members and their families a free day of rides on July 4, 2015. Click here for more info.

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park Military Discount
Active duty military personnel get free admission to Gilroy Gardens in Gilroy, California July 3-5, 2015. Click here for more info.

Greyhound Military Discount
Greyhound is proud to carry those who serve our country. Active duty and retired military personnel and their dependent family members may receive a 10% discount off the Greyhound walk-up (unrestricted) fare. Another option for military personnel is to travel on Greyhound for a maximum fare of $259 round trip anywhere in the continental United States. Click here for more details.

Home Depot Military Discount
All veterans are eligible for Home Depot’s 10% military discount on July 4th with a DoD-issued ID, a DD214 or a Veterans Driver’s License

King’s Dominion Military Discount
Join us July 4-5 as we pay tribute to our brave military service men and women by offering FREE park admission to any active, inactive or retired United States Service men and women with a valid military I.D. Service members may also purchase tickets for family and friends at the discounted price of $41.00 each for up to six tickets when they present valid military ID at the park on any of the dates listed above. Click here for more info.

Kings Island is once again honoring the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. military. All members of the military — active and retired — will receive free admission to Kings Island July 3-5. The offer also allows military personnel to purchase up to six (6) discount admission tickets for members of their immediate family for only $29.99 at the front gate admissions windows on the day of their visit. Click here for more info.

Lowe’s Military Discount
Lowe’s is offering their 10% military discount to military personnel in active, reserve or retired status, as well as retired veterans and those receiving VA benefits on July 4th.

Lowry Park Zoo Military Discount
In honor of Independence Day, members of the military (active-duty, retirees and veterans) and up to three direct dependents are invited to visit the Zoo for free July 3-5. The military member will need to show a valid military photo ID at the Zoo’s ticket counter. Dependents may take advantage of the offer without their service member, though an adult with a valid military I.D. must accompany minors. Not valid with any other discounts or offers. No rain checks. Click here for more info.

Major League Baseball Military Discount
Many major league baseball teams offer military discounts throughout the season. Some teams, like the Washington Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates are also celebrating military members on the 4th of July.

Michigan’s Adventure Military Discount
Michigan’s Adventure will be celebrating Tribute to the Armed Forces by offering military personnel of the Armed Forces, National Guard and Reserve a free admission on July 2nd and July 3rd, 2015. In addition, military personnel may purchase up to six additional tickets for family members at $24.00 each. Guests will be required to show one active military ID, DD-214, or Veteran’s Administration Hospital ID to qualify for the discount. Tickets purchased for this event are non-refundable and are valid for admission on one of the listed dates only. Tickets must be purchased at the park on the day of your visit.  Click here for more info.

Naples Zoo Military Discount
July 3-6: Independence Day Weekend: in honor of those who serve our country and Independence Day, Naples Zoo is offering free admission to all active and prior service military personnel. Military service members receive free admission at the Zoo’s ticket box by presenting military identification or a veteran’s organization member card and matching name photo ID. Plus, the service member’s spouse and children in the party receive $2 off regular Zoo admission during the weekend. Click here for more.

Sam’s Club Military Discount
Military appreciation offer 7/1 – 7/31/15. Additional savings for military families. Military members active duty, retired, dependents, and veterans receive a $15 Gift Card when you JOIN or RENEW your Sam’s Club membership PLUS Free Fresh Food.

Sun Splash Family Waterpark Military Discount
Free admission for active or retired military, disabled veterans and military reservists with ID or contract. A discount is also available for up to 4 family members accompanying military personnel with an active ID or contract.

Valleyfair Military Discount
Military Appreciation Days: Valleyfair is honoring our Hometown Heroes with Military Appreciation Days during the Fourth of July Weekend – July 2-5. Any member of the armed service, active or veteran, will receive a free regular admission ticket into Valleyfair. Along with free admission, members of the military will be able to purchase discount admission tickets for members of their immediate family (maximum of six) at a special military discount price of $29.99 plus tax per ticket. A valid military ID must be presented at a Valleyfair ticket window to receive this offer. Click here for more info.

Worlds of Fun Military Discount
Saturday July 4th is Military Appreciation Day. Veterans of the American Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard will receive complimentary admission to Worlds of Fun on Saturday 7/4/15 (Independence Day) and discount admission ($29.99 + tax) for up to six (6) members their immediate family. Complimentary tickets available for active duty, retired military and National Guard with honorable or medical discharge and Reserve Officers; Training Corps with government issued ID. Please present valid government issued ID at the Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun to the front gate on in order to receive your admission. Click here for more info.

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2015 Independence Day: Celebrations, Fireworks and Events

City of Chesapeake (Virginia)
Celebrate America’s Birthday with the U.S. Army TRADOC Command Band, from Fort Monroe, providing stirring patriotic sounds. Following the concert, fireworks by Pyrotechnico will illuminate the dark sky after sunset. Parks, Recreation and Tourism also brings you the best in children’s activities and family entertainment: face painting, a 3-years-and-under play area, giant lawn games, inflatables and more. Chesapeake Arts Alive! and Fine Arts Commission will offer a silent auction of unique items and a raffle of their famous gift baskets to provide scholarships for Chesapeake’s talented students. A variety of “food truck” concessions will be available for an evening picnic. Bring your own chairs or blanket. (Pop-up tents not permitted!).  Click here  for more info.

Virginia Beach Celebrates Independence Day
Come out for a day full of fun events celebrating our Independence Day! All activities will begin under the big tent at the end of the main boardwalk on the beach. This fantastic day of fanfare will end with our annual fireworks display. Chesapeake Bay Beach. From 10am to 9pm. Click here for more info.

America’s National Independence Day Parade takes place annually on July 4th at 11:45 am in Washington, D.C., on Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street before a street audience of hundreds of thousands of spectators. The Parade consists of invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIP’s, national dignitaries, and celebrity participants. The Parade is a major national event which seeks to draw the attention of Americans to the real meaning for the holiday. It is a patriotic, flag-waving, red white and blue celebration of America’s birthday!

A Star-Spangled Birthday Party – Live From the U.S. Capitol!
On July Fourth, America’s national Independence Day celebration honors our country’s birthday and its own 35 spectacular years on air with an all-star salute. Broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, this top-rated extravaganza features coverage from 20 cameras positioned around Washington DC, ensuring viewers are front and center for the greatest display of fireworks in the nation. In the three decades since the humble beginning of A Capitol Fourth, a parade of superstars — including Frankie Valli, Patti LaBelle, John Williams, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Reba McEntire, Natasha Bedingfield, Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, Steve Martin, Josh Groban, Gloria Estefan, Huey Lewis and the News, Little Richard, Tony Bennett, Faith Hill, Ray Charles, the Bee Gees, Kenny G, Aaron Neville, Kenny Rogers and the Muppets from Sesame Street — have offered the best in American entertainment and helped set the tone for a spectacular American birthday party.

National Archives Fourth of July 2015 Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. This fun-for-all-ages program is free! No tickets are needed. The event is outside, and the audience sits on the steps of the building, facing Constitution Avenue. Too hot? Indoor seating is available in the William G. McGowan Theater. Email specialevents@nara.gov. Click here for more info.

National Mall Fireworks
Fireworks will be launched from the Reflecting Pool area, and will be visible from many locations in D.C. and Virginia. Fireworks begin at 9:09 p.m. EDST. Duration is 17 1/2 minutes. Click here  for more info.

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks
The 39th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks returns to the East River and lights up the night from the Brooklyn Bridge.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
The annual Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Nathan’s Famous will take place on Brooklyn’s Coney Island July 4th, 2015 from 10am to 1pm, EST. Women’s contest will be broadcast live on ESPN3 at 11am, EST.  Main Event will be broadcast live on ESPN2 at 12Noon, EST.

Victory Landing Park 
Everyone is invited to the Virginia Peninsula’s biggest Fourth of July party – Fourth of July Stars in the Sky at Victory Landing Park. This waterside park, which offers spectacular views of the James River, is filled with 30,000 people who come to celebrate our nation’s birthday. The evening begins as crowds gather to enjoy summer’s favorite foods from a variety of vendors and children check out the rides and crafts. As dusk approaches, the stage comes alive with the music of a nationally-known entertainer. As the last note from the concert ends, the sky over the James River explodes with a kaleidoscope of color in a spectacular fireworks show. Free parking. Victory Landing Park is located at exit 6 from I-664, just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg, Norfolk, Virginia Beach and all Newport News attractions.

Stars and Stripes Explosion Virginia Beach
Multiple live performances on oceanfront stages will attract thousands of visitors and residents of Virginia Beach to a “star-spangled” salute to this great country of ours at Stars & Stripes Explosion on Saturday, July 4, 2015.  Scheduled entertainment offers something for everyone: patriotic and classical to Motown, a musical tribute dedicated to Billy Joel, and world-class magic performed by an internationally-recognized illusionist!  From 8:00pm-9:30pm, a stage erected right on the beach at 20^th Street will become the focal point for performances featuring Symphonicity (the symphony orchestra of Virginia Beach), and the Virginia Beach Chorale, and the Doorway Singers.  This concert will feature patriotic, Broadway, and classical selections. The show will segue into a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30pm that promises to explode over the ocean in a burst of colors and patterns!

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