Today is the day that we honor our veterans past and present. Some may volunteer, wear a poppy or yellow ribbon on their jacket, make a donation to a military charity or just give a veteran a hug. Many restaurants and companies would like to say thanks by providing discounts or offering up a free meal.
Most companies require a type of military ID. Some examples of this are your U.S. uniform service ID card, veterans organization card, DD214, a photograph in uniform, be wearing your uniform (please only do this if allowed) or a current leave and earnings statement. Be sure to call ahead to verify times and locations.
Free Meals
Applebee's - Last year Applebee's served 1,024,000 free meals on Veterans Day. Again this year Applebee's is again offering a free meal to veterans and active duty member on Veterans Day. You can find more information here.
Bar Louie - Active duty military and veterans can receive a free meal at all locations. You can find more information on Bar Louie's FaceBook page.
BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse - Receive a free lunch or a mini pizza for dinner with proof with military service.
Champps Americiana - All veterans and active duty military will receive a free burger on November 11th. Find a location near you.
Chili's - All veterans past and present will receive their choice of one of six meals from 11am to 5pm at participating locations. You can find locations here.
Denny's - Free Grand Slam breakfast for any veteran coming in at select locations. You can find more information here.
Golden Corral - The 10th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will be on Monday November 14th from 5pm to 9pm at Golden Corral locations nationwide. All that have served in our Armed Forces can find more information here.
Famous Daves - Today vet's can get free or discounted meals. Check the Famous Dave's Veteran's Day page for more information.
Hooters - Hooter's is severing free meals to veterans on Veterans Day. Open to all who have served with proof of military service. More information can be found here.
Krispy Kreme - Get a free donughnut at Krisy Kreme stores today with proof of service.
Little Caesars Pizza - With proof of service or military status, Little Caesars is giving our service members free Crazy Bread at participating stores nationwide.
Tim Horton's - All US locations are offering a free doughnut to all veterans.
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants - On Sunday November 13, 2011, McCormick & Schmick's will be celebrating their 13th annual Veterans Appreciation day. Veterans will be able to pick a complimentary lunch or dinner entree with proof of service. Visit M&S Veterans Appreciation Event for more information.
Outback Steakhouse - From 11/7 - 11/11 Outback Steakhouse is offering America's military a free Bloomin' Onion and Coca-Cola products. You can find out more information about Outback Steakhouse's military deals here.
Texas Roadhouse - Nationwide all of our military members, past and present, will be able to have lunch for free on Veterans Day. You can find out more information here.
The Olive Garden - Today all veterans and active duty military can receive a free meal during regular business hours with proof of service. You can find out more information here.
Other Veteran's Day Discounts
Free Hugo Canes for Veterans - Sam's Club locations nationwide will be giving away Hugo canes for U.S. veterans in need of mobility assistance. Sam's Club membership is not required but proof of service maybe. For more information please visit Hugo Salutes.
Home Depot - The Home Depot is offering 10% all purchases for active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and families this Veteran's Day and most military holidays. The offer is valid on purchases up to $2,00 and is available at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Design Center, Yardbird and the EXPO Design Center locations. There is a 10% discount for active duty and retirees normally but it is not available to all veterans.
Lowe's - Lowe's is offering all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10% discount on all in-store purchases made this Veteran's Day. The discount is available on all in-stock and special order purchases up to $5,000. Like Home Depot, Lowes offers a daily discount to active duty military but not to all veterans. On military holidays, they extend this offer to all military regardless of status.
Amazon.com - Everyone can get a free Mp3 album download of "Veterans Day Honor". This album includes 12 songs as performed by military bands and members of the US Armed Forces. Visit Amazon today for this free album download since it will be full priced starting Nov. 12th.
Sports Authority - All military members looking for new sports gear, print out the 15% off any purchase coupon then head on over to the Sports Authority with proof of service.
Steve Madden - Steve Madden will be doubling their everyday military discount of 15% to 30% for Veteran's Day in stores nationwide! Bring proof of military service and get yourself a new pair of kicks.
Thank you to all services members past and present for your hard work and dedication to our country. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Special thanks to Ryan at the Military Wallet! Not only did he put together a great list of Veterans Day deals and runs a great blog explaining all the in's and out's of military benefits and finances, he also served in the United States Air Force.