Veterans Day 2014 Free Meals and Discounts

A look at the history of the holiday honoring those who fought for America.

YouTube uploaded by HISTORY Channel

There are many restaurants and companies who want to thank our veterans by providing them with discounts or a free meal. To those companies offering veterans a free meal or discount, the military community gives a collective thanks!  (the links will/should go to info from each restaurant, social media page or press release. If there are any issues please let us know so we can fix. ty)

Applebee’s Free Meal
On Tuesday, November 11th, from open to close, veterans and active duty military can choose from a free signature Thank You Meal menu that includes some of Applebee’s favorite items, including a 7 oz. House Sirloin, The American Standard All-In Burger, Three-Cheese Chicken Penne, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Double Crunch Shrimp, Chicken Tenders Platter or Oriental Chicken Salad. Must present valid Veteran’s form of identification or be in uniform.

Baker’s Square Free Breakfast Veterans and active duty get a complimentary breakfast on Veterans Day. Choose between Buttermilk Pancakes, three slices of French Toast or a Belgian Waffle.

Bar Louie Free Lunch or Dinner From open to close Monday, November 10th and Tuesday, November 11th every Bar Louie location across the country will offer veterans and military personnel a free meal up to a $12 value when they show valid military I.D. or other proof of service.

BLT Steak, Prime, Burger and More All Veterans & Active Military Will Enjoy 50% Off For Two & 25% Off For Parties of Three or More.

Bob Evans Veterans and active military personnel will receive free all–you-can-eat hotcakes at its restaurants. All these honored servicemen and women need do is show a valid military ID.

Bonanza Steakhouses Monday, November 17th – All former and current military service men and women enjoy a free buffet. Contact your local Bonanza for more details.

California Pizza Kitchen On Tuesday, November 11, all veterans or active duty military personnel will be able to select from a special Veterans Day menu including pizza, salads and pasta. Please come in uniform or bring your military ID or other proof of service.

Carrabba’s Free Appetizer All active and retired veterans receive a free appetizer at participating locations November 8th through November 11th, 2014.

Centaarchy Restaurants This Veterans Day, Veterans and active military service members receive a free entrée and 25% off to their accompanied family and friends.  Includes California Dreaming, New York Prime, Chophouse ’47, The Tavern at Phipps, Carolina Roadhouse, Joey D’s Oak Room, Burro Loco, Gulfstream Cafe, Chophouse New Orleans.

Champps Free Cheeseburger and Fries Veterans and active-duty receive a free handcrafted cheeseburger on Veterans day, 11/11/14. Must provide proof of service.  Participating locations only, check to confirm.

Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse Eat Free Veterans and active-duty military eat free (up to $20) on Veterans Day. Valid ID required or in uniform or photo in uniform.

Cheeseburger in Paradise On Tuesday, November 11 get a complimentary All-American Burger with fries to veterans, active and retired military personnel. Dine in only and must purchase a beverage and present proof of service.

Chuck E. Cheese’s All U.S. Armed Forces veterans and active-duty military get 20 free tokens upon a visit to Chuck E. Cheese’s from Sunday, November 9, through Saturday, November 15. Military ID or proof of service is required, but no coupon is needed.

Chili’s Free Meal Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu. Must show proof of military service.

City Barbeque One free half pound sandwich platter will be given to each veteran for either dine-in or carryout orders on Veterans Day.  All locations are participating.

Claim Jumper Free Meal On Monday, November 10, all Claim Jumper locations will provide those who served a complimentary lunch or dinner from a special menu.  Menu options include  baked pot pies, Tilapia Bianca, Roasted Tri Tip Dinner, Roasted Tri Tip Shrimp, Grilled Chicken, Grilled Salmon, Black Tie Pasta and Chicken Fried Steak. Verification of service is required.

Coffee Beanery Participating Coffee Beanery locations will offer a free tall cup of coffee all day on November 11th. Veterans and active duty military will need to provide their military identification for the offer. Call ahead to make sure that your local Coffee Beanery is participating.

Country Cookin
Active, reserve, and retired military personnel receive a free meal on Veteran’s Day.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Veterans receive a complimentary Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake dessert to veterans and an opportunity for guests to make purchases that support the United Service Organizations (USO).  Veterans Day only.

Craftworks Restaurants and Breweries – Includes Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants, Rock Bottom Restaurants & Breweries, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom and ChopHouse & Brewery restaurants nationwide
On Tuesday, Nov. 11, veterans and active military personnel can show their valid military-issued identification card  or come dressed in uniform to receive their complimentary craft beer or appetizer. To locate the nearest restaurant, veterans can visit www.craftworksrestaurants.com.

Denny’s All You Can Eat Pancakes All active, inactive and retired military personnel,at all participating Denny’s restaurants nationwide, diners with a valid military ID will receive free build your Grand Slam on 11.11.14 from 5 am to noon.

East Coast Wings Veterans receive a free appetizer or dessert with a $10 or more purchase on 11/11/14.

Famous Dave’s On November 11th, former and active military are invited to come in and receive a free One Meat Salute on us. Choose from one meat, a corn muffin, and a side. Participating locations only. From 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. Proof of service required. Dine In only.

Figaro’s Veterans and active service members get a free medium 1 topping pizza on Nov. 11, 2014.

Food City Veterans and active military receive a free hot bar meal on November 11th.

Friendly’s Free Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Friendly’s is treating veterans and active military, with a valid military ID or honorable discharge card, to a free breakfast, lunch or dinner on Veteran’s Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2014. The breakfast choice is their Big-Two-Do’s® array of breakfast options and for lunch or dinner it’s the All American Burger with fries and a beverage (soda, iced tea or hot beverage).

Glory Days Grill Glory Days invites all veterans on 11/11/14 to join Glory Days and receive a free appetizer or wings with proper ID.

Green Mill Restaurant and Bar Veterans and Active Duty Military eat free on Veterans Day – Tuesday, November 11, 2014.

Golden Corral Free Meal Monday, November 17th from 5 PM to 9 PM get a free Veterans Day buffet and beverage to any veteran who has served in the United States military or is a current active duty service member. All Golden Corral locations will be participating. No identification is required to get your free Veterans day meal.

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt On November 11, 2014, participating Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt shops across the country are giving away free single-scoop ice cream cones to all veterans and military personnel with a valid military ID.

Hooters Free Meal Hooters invites all veterans and current servicemen and women to a free meal, up to $10.99 in value with any drink purchase, by presenting a military ID or proof of service at any Hooters location across the country.  Offer valid 11/11/14.

Hurricane Grill and Wings Tuesday, November 11th Veterans and active duty military personnel receive a complimentary meal and non-alcoholic beverage from a select menu on Veterans Day. Menu items include: Grilled Chicken, Caesar Salad, 10 Wings, Fish and Chips, Chicken Sandwich (Crispy/Grilled), Burger Sliders, Pulled Pork Quesadilla. Verification through ID or Uniform.  Participating locations only.

Hy-Vee Free Breakfast Hy-Vee is providing free breakfast for veterans during regular breakfast hours on Veterans Day.

IHOP
On Veteran’s Day, November 11, participating IHOP Restaurants around the nation will be honoring the brave men and women who have served, or are serving, in the United States Military by offering them free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At some locations, the Red, White and Blue pancakes will be featured as part of a free combo plate including eggs, bacon and hashed browns.  Locations.

Kangaroo Express Any service member with a military I.D. that visits one of Kangaroo Express’ nearly 1,200 grill-ready stores between 12 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11 is invited to purchase a grill item for just 25-cents (one per guest, while supplies last).

Krispy Kreme Free Doughnut and Coffee Offering a free doughnut and small coffee to all those served or currently are serving on Veterans Day. A free doughnut and small coffee will be given to anyone who identifies themselves as a veteran or active duty military personnel (no ID required). Only at participating locations.

Krystal Active and retired armed forces members this Veterans Day with a free sausage biscuit to any active or retired service member with military ID.

Lamar’s Donuts Free donut and a 12oz coffee for all veterans and active military on Veterans Day.

Lone Star Steakhouse A free entrée on Veterans Day to active duty and reserves.

Longhorn Steakhouse Free App Service members receive a complimentary Texas Tonion appetizer and non-alcohol beverage on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Includes veterans and current service members.

Max and Erma’s Free Cheeseburger Combo Meal with Dessert On Veterans Day, participating Max & Erma’s locations are celebrating veterans and active military personnel with a free three course combo.

McCormick and Schmick’s Free Entree Enjoy a complimentary entree on Sunday, November 9th, 2014 (2 days before Veterans Day). All veterans must show official verification. Veterans Day entrees must be enjoyed at the restaurant.

Menchie’s Free Frozen Yogurt On Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11th, 2014 all Veterans and military personnel with a military ID or dressed in uniform will receive a free six ounce frozen yogurt any time of day.  Show a valid ID or be in uniform to receive.

Mission BBQ Veterans eat free on Veteran’s Day.  Free sandwich and cake while supplies last.

Mod Pizza Veterans and active duty military are invited in for a free individual pizza or had-tossed salad on Veterans Day.

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The History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans. However, most Americans confuse this holiday with Memorial Day, reports the Department of Veterans Affairs.

What's more, some Americans don't know why we commemorate our Veterans on Nov.11. It's imperative that all Americans know the history of Veterans Day so that we can honor our former service members properly.

A Brief History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

In 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill ensured three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. Under this bill, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on its original date. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on Oct. 25, 1971.

Finally on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of Nov. 11, beginning in 1978. Since then, the Veterans Day holiday has been observed on Nov. 11.

Celebrating the Veterans Day Holiday

If the Nov. 11 holiday falls on a non-workday -- Saturday or Sunday -- the holiday is observed by the federal government on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday). Federal government closings are established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. State and local government closings are determined locally, and non- government businesses can close or remain open as they see fit, regardless of federal, state or local government operation determinations.

United States Senate Resolution 143, which was passed on Aug. 4, 2001, designated the week of Nov. 11 through Nov. 17, 2001, as "National Veterans Awareness Week." The resolution calls for educational efforts directed at elementary and secondary school students concerning the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.

The difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day

Memorial Day honors servicemembers who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle. Deceased veterans are also remembered on Veterans Day but the day is set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime.

President Eisenhower's letter to Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, designating him Chairman, Veterans Day National Committee

The White House Office
October 8, 1954 

Dear Mr. Higley: 

I have today signed a proclamation calling upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954 as Veterans Day. It is my earnest hope that all veterans, their organizations, and the entire citizenry will join hands to insure proper and widespread observance of this day. With the thought that it will be most helpful to coordinate the planning, I am suggesting the formation of a Veterans Day National Committee. In view of your great personal interest as well as your official responsibilities, I have designated you to serve as Chairman. You may include in the Committee membership such other persons as you desire to select and I am requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch to assist the Committee in its work in every way possible. 

I have every confidence that our Nation will respond wholeheartedly in the appropriate observance of Veterans Day, 1954. 

Sincerely, 

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

For more information and frequently asked questions, visit the VA website.

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Olive Garden Free Meal All veterans and military active duty will receive a free meal from a special menu on Veterans Day.

On The Border Free Entree This Veterans Day, all veterans and active duty military will receive, for free OTB’s “Create Your Own Combo menu,” on Tuesday, November 11, 2014.

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt All veterans, retired and active-duty military personnel receive a free cup of froyo, up to 11 ounces, on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11. To claim the offer, customers should provide proof of military service, such as a military ID card, uniform photo, honors, badges, or come dressed in their military uniform.

Outback Steakhouse Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage All active, retired military and veterans get a Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage on Veterans Day. Must have valid identification. Plus, all military personnel get 15% off from November 12 thru December 31, 2014.

Pinnacle Entertainment Free buffet on Veterans Day at Pinnacle’s properties including Ameristar, Belterra, Boomtown, L’Auberge, Retama and River City properties.

PDQ Free tenders or sandwich for all veterans or active duty military with ID or in uniform.

Pie Five Pizza On Veterans Day active duty, reserve and retired military receive a free individualized pizza.  Must show valid ID.

Pizza Factory Free lunch special or a lunch buffet for veterans on November 11, 2014.

Pizza Schmizz; Schmizza Pub Grub Veterans and active service members get a free slice of pizza on Nov. 11, 2014 between 1 and 4 p.m.

Ponderosa Steakhouses Monday, November 17th – All former and current military service men and women enjoy a free buffet. Contact your local Bonanza for more details.

Red Hot and Blue Restaurants Veterans, Active Duty, Retirees and Reservists receive a free meal with the purchase of a second meal of equal or greater value. Proof of military service required. Dine-in only. Print and present the coupon before ordering. Offer valid on Monday, November 10, 2014; Tuesday, November 11, 2014 and Wednesday, November 12, 2014.

Red Lobster Free App Monday, Nov. 10 to Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014 service members past and present receive a complimentary appetizer from a special menu.  Proof of service required.

Red Robin Free Burger and Fries All Veterans and Active Duty Military get a free Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Veterans Day.

Rib Crib This Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military eat free at participating locations.

Rock and Brews Veterans and active-duty members receive a free ultimate burger or pulled pork sandwich on November 11th, 2014.  Dine in only, military or veteran ID required.

Ruby Tuesday Get a free appetizer on Veterans Day to all those who served or are serving.

Rusty Bucket Tavern On Veterans day get 11% off lunch or dinner with proof of service, food portion of check only, up to 4 guests. Includes Active Duty, Veterans, Retirees, Reservists, Dependents.

Ryan’s On Veterans Day (Nov. 11), active duty, reservists and retired military may enjoy a free dine-in lunch at participating Ryan’s locations, from open until 3:30 pm. Show your military ID or proof of service to enjoy the free meal.

Shoney’s Offers Free All-American Burger Shoney’s says ‘Thank You’ to America’s heroes by offering a Shoney’s All-American Burger and fries to all Veterans and Active Duty Military members on Tuesday, November 11th, 2014.

Sizzler Free Lunch Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, Veterans, active duty, retired members of the military get a free lunch. Guests with proof of military service will select a six-ounce six-ounce Tri Tip Steak, single Malibu Chicken or a half dozen Fried Shrimp entrée with a choice of coffee, iced tea or a fountain drink.

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill Veterans and active duty get a free meal on Nov. 11, 2014.  Must show proof of service.

Spaghetti Warehouse Buy 1 Get 1 Free Meal
Spaghetti Warehouse is honoring veterans with a special “buy one entree, get one free” coupon offer and is encouraging its guests to “invite a veteran to lunch or dinner”. Beginning Nov. 4th, the coupon will be available online on Spaghetti Warehouse’s website.

Starbucks Free Coffee This Veterans Day veterans, active duty military and their spouses get a free tall 12oz  brewed coffee at participating stores.

Texas Land Cattle TXLC will honor Veterans, both active and retired plus reserves with a free appetizer; Crispy Onion Strings, Spicy White Queso, Steakhouse Onion Rings, Avocado Smash or Big D Spinach Dip.

Texas Roadhouse Free Lunch Select from a free special veterans lunch menu including a beverage and sides on Nov. 11, 2014.

TGI Fridays Free Lunch Veterans and active duty military service members are invited to have lunch from a special menu on T.G.I Friday’s this Veterans Day.

The Green Turtle Veterans and Active Duty military enjoy a free meal on Tuesday, November 11th.

Tim Hortons Cafe; Bake Shop Free Doughnut Veterans and active-duty military will receive a free doughnut. No purchase required. Valid ID required or show up in uniform.

Travel Centers of America Free Meal On Veterans Day, all CDL drivers who are Military Veterans eat free at participating full-service restaurants with proof of service. Must present valid ID.

Tucanos Brazilian Grill Share a photo of your hero for a free salute. Get a free dessert by tagging Tucanos on Instagram with @Tucanosusa #VeteransDay and then upload your picture here.

Uno’s free entrée or pizza with a purchase
With a Military or Veteran ID, entrees are buy one get one free, and anyone who presents this ticket will donate 20% of your total check to Fisher House Veterans Association.

Village Inn Free Breakfast
All who have served get a complimentary breakfast on Veterans Day. Choose between Buttermilk Pancakes, three slices of French Toast or a Belgian Waffle.

Wayback Burgers Both active and retired military personnel can get a free menu item, with no purchase necessary all day Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Woody’s Bar-B-Q When Vets buy an entree on Veterans Day they receive a gift certificate for a free entree on their next visit.

Zoes Kitchen Zoes is serving up a free entrée to those with a military ID and an additional 10% off for all family members on Tues. Nov. 11, 2014.