2012 Veterans Day Free Meals, Entertainment Offers, Discounts and More

Freebies and Discounts for active duty military and veterans
Many wonderful organizations nationwide have put together special “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. If you know of additional discounts, freebies, coupons and more, please email VOB and we will be sure to share them.
Restaurants
Applebee’s
Last year, Applebee’s served over one million free meals to military veterans and active service members. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veteran’s Day, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. There will be 7 entrées to choose from. Military ID or proof of service required.
Bar Louie
Free meal on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11. 2012. Active duty military members and veterans can receive a free meal, up to $10 in value, and a free non-alcoholic beverage. Available at all locations, military ID or proof of service is required. Find a location near you.
BD’s Mongolian Grill
Half off Stir-fry with valid military ID Nov. 5-11, 2012. Only at participating locations. Find the location nearest you.
California Pizza Kitchen
Free meal and non-alcoholic beverage, Nov. 11-12, 2012, for veterans and active military with valid ID or proof of service. Find a location near you.
Champps Americana
Enjoy a free cheeseburger and fries all day Nov. 11, 2012. We’re celebrating our veterans with an All American Meal for all veterans and Active Military will receive a free burger. Proof of service required. Dine in only, valid at participating locations. Find a location near you.
Cheeseburger in Paradise
Free meal from select menu on Nov. 12, 2012, with military ID or proof of service. Beverages and gratuity not included. Find a location near you.
Chili’s
Chili’s is offering a free meal to all military veterans past and present with their choice of one of 7 meals. This offer is available from 11am – 5pm on November 11, 2012 at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Find a location near you.
Denny’s
Veteran’s Day Appreciation Event, Nov. 12 2012. Free all you can eat pancakes from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 12 for all active, retirees, and veterans with a valid military ID or proof of military service. Offer available in every Denny’s nationwide.
Famous Dave’s
On November 11th, in honor of Veteran’s Day, Famous Dave’s would like to thank all former and current military personnel for their dedication and commitment to our country. Offer varies by location, please check the website or call your local restaurant for more information.
Golden Corral
For the 12th year in a row, Golden Corral Restaurants will offer their Military Appreciation Monday dinner. The event is scheduled this year from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 12. All personnel are welcome, including retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves.
Hooters
On November 11, in honor of Veteran’s Day Hooters is offering a free meal to veterans and active military. The free meal is 10 free wings boneless or traditional (drink purchase required), Offer valid at participating Hooters only.
Krispy Kreme
This year, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation is honoring America’s service men and women on Veteran’s Day by giving away free doughnuts to all veterans and active military personnel. Veterans and active military personnel are invited to visit any participating U.S. Krispy Kreme store on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, and enjoy one free doughnut of any variety. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores.
Little Caesars® Pizza
Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, Little Caesars is honoring the men and women of the United States armed forces this Veteran’s Day by providing veterans and active military members with a free Crazy Bread® with proof of military status or proof of service at participating stores nationwide. Call ahead to verify participation.
Lone Star Steakhouse
Free Entrée on Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, for all veterans and active duty. ID required, please call ahead for verification.
LongHorn Steakhouse
Get a complimentary Texas Tonion and non-alcoholic beverage Nov. 11, 2012. Offer good for veterans and active-duty military members. Proof of service required. Visit their site to find a location near you.
Max & Erma’s
On Sunday, November 11, 2012, participating Max & Erma’s locations are offering military members and veterans a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo, which includes tortilla soup or side Caesar salad, seasoned fries, and chocolate chip cookies. Dine in only. Proof of service required.
McCormick and Schmicks
Sunday, November 11, 2012, Mccormick and Schmicks pay tribute to our veterans with a complimentary lunch or dinner entree from a special menu. Space is limited. Reservations are highly recommended.
Olive Garden
A free entree for veterans and active duty military, on Sunday, November 11th during regular business hours. Choose from a special menu; all entrées include freshly baked garlic sticks and choice of soup or salad. Offer good in US and Canada, proof of service required.
Outback Steakhouse
We honor our nation’s heroes with a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca Cola Nov. 11 & 12 in honor of Veteran’s Day. Military Personnel with proper identification, will receive 10% OFF their entire guest check (excluding alcohol, applicable taxes and gratuity) November 13 – December 31, 2012.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster is saying thank you to all of our Veteran’s on Veteran’s day. On Nov. 11, 2012, Red Lobster is giving away a free appetizer for to all active duty and veterans. For more info, head to the Red Lobster Facebook page.
Red Robin
Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, veterans (past and present) receive a free Red’s Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries with a military ID or proof of service. Red Robin is also partnering with Heinz for Veteran’s Day to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Red Robin will also donate $10,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project. Find a location near you.
Sizzler Restaurants
Nov. 12, 2012, free lunch served until 4pm. Choice of three entrees with proof of military service. More information and locations.
Texas Corral
Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012, free entrée (dine-in only) for all active duty members and veterans with ID. Note: All Texas Corral locations also regularly offer a 50% discount to active duty police officers, firemen and military personnel dining in. Find a location near you.
Texas Road House
Free lunch, Monday Nov. 12, 2012 for all veterans – including all active, retired or former U.S. military. Every Texas Roadhouse location across the country will participate in the free lunch event to honor the men and women of our armed forces. Choose from one of 10 free meals, plus sides and a drink. Dine in only. ID Required.
T.G.I Fridays
Stop in from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Monday, November 12 for your free Veterans Day lunch. Must show valid military ID. Valid only at participating locations.
Uno Chicago Grill
Free individual pizza or entrée with the purchase of a pizza or entrée of equal or greater value on Nov. 11 & 12, 2012. Available for all active duty and veterans. No coupon necessary; proof of service required.
Entertainment
Anheuser-Busch Parks
Anheuser-Busch Parks offers Active Duty Service Members free admission for them and up to 3 dependents to any of their parks once a year. Throughout 2012, members of the military and as many as three direct dependents may enter SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks with a single-day complimentary admission. The Here’s to the Heroes program is only available to Any active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman. Eligible parks include: Adventure Island, Busch Gardens (Tampa Bay or Williamsburg), SeaWorld (Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio), Sesame Place, and Water Country USA. Not valid at Discovery Cove and Aquatica. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. is not included as part of this program. For more information and to register, visit: Free admission summary, and ticket application.
Battley Harley-Davidson – Veteran’s Day Ride to Arlington National Cemetery
Gaithersburg, MD
7830 Airpark Road – Gaithersburg, MD USA
Sunday, November 11, 2012, gather at the dealership at 8am for free coffee and doughnuts, then kickstands up at 8:30am sharp to head to the cemetery.
For a list of other Harley-Davidson events around the country, go to the Event Calendar.
Battleship Cove – Veteran’s Day at Battleship Cove
Fall River, MA
Battleship Cove is a maritime heritage museum preserving the world’s largest collection of historic naval ships. Visit five National Historic Landmarks and the Commonwealth’s official veterans memorial for WWII and the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf Wars. Free admission for veterans: all active duty, retired and reserve military personnel who show proof of service will be honored with free admission to Battleship Cove! Open 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
Brevard Zoo
Melbourne FL
In honor of Veteran’s Day, Brevard Zoo will offer free admission to military veterans and active-duty service members Friday through Monday, Nov. 9 to 12. Veteran’s Weekend is sponsored by Harris Corporation. The Zoo will also provide free admission to spouses in the event the active-duty service member is currently deployed overseas.
Proof of military service is required. Accepted forms include U.S. Uniform Services Card (active/reserve/retired), Current Leave and Earning Statement, Veteran Identification card, Veteran’s Organization Card (American Legion, VFW, etc.), a photograph in uniform, wearing a uniform, or DD214.
Boston Duck Tours
Boston, MA
Free rides to all veterans during the week of Veteran’s Day. Boston Duck Tours will also offer all spouses and children of any present or past military personnel a special $10.00 per person ticket.
Colonial Williamsburg
Active duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, and their dependents receive free Colonial Williamsburg admission for the entire weekend—Nov. 9–12, 2012. Explore the Revolutionary City, hear the stirring cadences of the Fifes and Drums, join in the commemorative Veteran’s Day March, and browse the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. The complimentary ticket includes admission to Colonial Williamsburg exhibition sites, art museums, and most daytime programs, as well as free parking and use of the shuttle bus system. Tickets are only available at on-site ticket sales locations. Tickets are also available to families of deployed service members.
FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling)
Florida
Offering free admission for all veterans (with ID) to both Florida wrestling shows on Nov. 9, 2012 at the Plant City Armory and Nov. 10, 2012 at the Brooksville Armory.
Historic Jamestowne
Free Admission. The National Park Service commemorates Veteran’s Day with Fee Free days at Historic Jamestowne November 10-12, 2012. Free admission for everyone. See events calendar.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Buena Park, CA
Military Tribute Days – Free Admission – 2012. The free-admission offer applies to all U.S. veterans, retired and active military personnel and their spouse (or one guest.) Up to six additional tickets may be purchased at Knott’s Ticket Booths for only $19 each from November 1-21, 2012 and for $25 each November 22 through January 6. Military personnel may also purchase additional tickets at participating local Military ticket office. More info.
Veterans, active and retired Military Personnel can also stay at the Knott’s Hotel at a discounted rate through January 6, 2013. Simply select the Military Tribute option when making your Reservations.
Navy Memorial
Washington, D.C.
Free admission to any veteran or member of the armed forces. Veteran’s Day ceremony, Nov. 12, 2012, 1 pm – 2 pm. As a thank you to our troops, PMI is extending free parking at 875 D Street NW to all active and retired military on Monday, November 12, 2012. Please show ID to attendant upon entering the garage.
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Nov. 11, 2012, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, veterans will receive free admission to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum on Veteran’s Day, Sunday, November 11. Veterans will receive free admission for up to six people. All active duty, active reserve, Ready Reserve Service members, National Guardsman, Coalition Forces members and retirees, American Legion members and VFW members are eligible for free admission and may bring up to five guests. Proof of military ID in one of these categories is required. (The museum also offers discounted daily admission for active military with ID.)
Free Entrance Days at National Parks
To honor America’s service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that areas managed by the National Park Service would not charge entrance fees for Veteran’s Day weekend – November 10-12, 2012. Free admission for everyone. Over 100 national Parks will be participating in this event. Find a park near you.
San Jacinto Monument and Museum
La Porte, TX
No charge for the military and their families all week. Free admission to the theatre, Observation Floor, and the special exhibit to all veterans and their families.
Reds Hall of Fame & Museum
Cincinnati, OH
In honor of Veteran’s Day, the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum is pleased to offer all veterans and active military members (with valid I.D.) complimentary general admission from Tuesday, Nov. 6 though Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012.
Retail
Amazon.com
Free Veteran’s Day Honor MP3 album download. Album includes 12 songs by bands and ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Brides Across America
Provides free wedding gowns to qualified military brides. Please check website for information in your area.
Big Lots
10% off your entire purchase on Saturday Nov. 10, 2012. Offer available to active duty, Guard/Reserve, veterans, retirees and their immediate family members, with valid ID. Please call ahead to verify.
Dollar General
10% discount on entire purchase on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11. Offer good for all active-duty military, retirees, veterans, Guard/Reserve, & immediate family members. The coupon can be found in the store circular, or by asking an employe. Also good online from Nov 11-13, use Coupon Code VETERANSDAY.
Food Lion
12% off all groceries (some exclusions) on Nov. 11, 2012, for Active & Retired Military Personnel with military ID and MVP card.
Free Car Wash, Nov. 11, 2012.
Thousands of car washes around the country are offering vets a free car wash on Veteran’s Day, 2012. Find a list at Grace for Veterans with over 1900 participating locations.
Home Depot
Offers a 10% discount (up to a $500 maximum) to all active military, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members with a valid military ID.
Lowe’s
All veterans receive the 10-percent discount on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The discount is available on in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000. See website for details.
Accommodations
Red Roof Inn
Offering 15% off all stays for veterans for the month of November 2012.
Bed & Breakfast for Vets
In the third year of the program, B&Bs for Vets has organized over 230 (and counting) participating Bed and Breakfasts and Inns across the US and Canada which will be offering veterans a free night’s stay on Sunday, November 11th. This offer is available to both active duty military members and veterans with ID, but space is limited. Each Inn and B&B has at least one room available for this promotion and reservations must be made directly through the participating Inns and B&Bs.