Each year on November 11, the Veterans Day National Ceremony takes place at Arlington National Cemetery. The event starts exactly at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns. It then moves to the Memorial Amphitheater, where veterans’ organizations present their colors and dignitaries give speeches. This ceremony is a way to honor and express gratitude to everyone who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Originally known as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I, it became a broader day of recognition for all veterans after 1954. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who have died in military service, Veterans Day celebrates all veterans, living or deceased, for their dedication and contributions to the country.
Veterans Day 2024: Free Meals, Discounts, and Special Offers Near You on Nov. 11!
This Veterans Day, active and retired U.S. military members can get a free meal and more at restaurants and businesses as a “Thank You” for their service. The holiday, celebrated Nov. 11, recognizes all veterans and those who have served during times of war and peace
Here’s where current and retired military members can eat for free or make purchases at no cost:
| Restaurant | Deals, Discounts and Freebies |
| Applebee | Complimentary meal from a selected menu. Additionally, veterans will receive a $5 meal voucher that can be used within three weeks. Menu options include: • Oriental chicken salad and three-cheese chicken penne • 6-ounce top sirloin • Classic bacon cheeseburger • Chicken tenders platters • Double crunch shrimp • Fiesta Lime chicken |
| BJ’s Restaurant | free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie to veterans and active-duty military members. This offer is available for dine-in only. In addition, a coupon for a free appetizer will be given to use on their next visit. Veterans who return to BJ’s or opt for takeout to redeem their free appetizer can choose from a variety of starters, including BJ’s popular Avocado Egg Rolls, Deep Dish Nachos, Sliders, Ahi Poke, Crispy Calamari, and slow-roasted wings. |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | Free order of 10 boneless wings and fries for dine-in customers veterans and active military members . The offer is also available for walk-in counter orders at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations. Additionally, the store provides a daily 15% discount on all dine-in and call-in orders for veterans. |
| Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen | Complimentary appetizer or dessert to veterans and active-duty military members . |
| Chick-fil-A | Free entrée to veterans and active military members at participating locations. Veterans can choose either a free Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit for breakfast or a free Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich for lunch or dinner. |
| Chili’s Grill & Bar | Free meal to veterans and active-duty military personnel and it is available for dine-in only. The offer may also extend to spouses and dependents, but this can vary by location. |
| Cicis Pizza | Free meal to veterans and active-military at participating locations |
| Cracker Barrel | Free slice of double fudge Coca-Cola cake with their meal. In addition, the restaurant is running special promotions throughout the month to honor military service members. |
| Dave & Buster’s | Free entrée (up to $20) and receive a free $10 Power Card at participating locations with a valid veterans ID. This offer is available for dine-in customers and may be subject to specific terms or limitations by location. |
| Denny’s | free Original Grand Slam to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. to noon |
| Dunkin’ | Free doughnut of choice to all active and retired military while supplies last in-store only. The offer is not available for orders placed using On-the-Go Mobile Ordering through the Dunkin’ Mobile App. |
| Einstein Bros. Bagels | Free hot or iced coffee of any size with in-store purchase to veterans and active-duty military. |
| Famous Dave’s | Free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and choice of side at all locations for dine-In, to go and online ordering. Limit one per veteran with valid ID. |
| Firehouse Subs | Free combo to veterans and active-duty military including a medium sub, chips or a cookie, and a drink. |
| Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers | Is giving veterans and active-duty military personnel a meal card valid for a free combo meal of their choice. Proof of service required. Cards may be redeemed through Dec. 31, 2024. |
| Golden Corral | will offer a free meal to active and former military personnel from 4 p.m. to close on Nov. 11 during Military Appreciation Night. |
| Hooters | All retired and active-duty military can get a free meal from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu for dine-in with the purchase of a beverage. The special menu includes five of Hooters’ select entrees: Buffalo Chicken Salad |
| IHOPS | Free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo to veterans and active-duty military from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 11. Dine-in only at participating restaurants. |
| Kona Grill | Will receive 50% off food orders Nov. 8-11. |
| Little Caesars | Complimentary Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military consisting of four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce beverage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11 |
| McDonald’s | Restaurants in Indiana will offer a free meal to current and former military members with a valid military ID all day on Nov. 11. The offer includes a choice of a free Egg McMuffin or Bacon Egg Cheese Biscuit meal, including a hash brown and any size soft drink, tea or coffee for breakfast; or a free Double Cheeseburger, 6-piece McNugget, or Filet-O-Fish sandwich with a small fry and any size soft drink, tea or coffee for lunch or dinner. The offer is only available via dine-in or drive-through. |
| Olive Garden | Complimentary entrée from a special menu. Dine-in only. |
| Pokeworks | 25% off their entire order to veterans and active service members. Dine-in only. |
| Raising Cane’s | Offering all active or nonactive military and their spouses a 10% discount off their entire purchase on Nov. 11 when they mention the Hero Discount Program. Dine-in only. |
| Red Lobster | Free Shrimp and Chips to veterans and active-duty military members. Meal includes six Walt’s Shrimp, fries and coleslaw plus a beverage. Tax and gratuity are not included. No substitutions or modifications permitted. |
| Sonic | Offering guests half price milkshakes on Nov. 11 in any size or flavor, including both Classic and Master Shakes |
| Starbucks | Honoring veterans, active military and their spouses with a free tall brewed coffee − hot or iced. Valid at participating U.S. stores and licensed locations. |
| Texas Roadhouse | Free meal to Veterans and active U.S. military personnel on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proof of service is required. The vouchers can be redeemed through May 31, 2025, for one of 10 entrees, including a six-ounce sirloin, and two made-from-scratch sides, plus a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/iced tea or coffee. |
| Twin Peaks | Free lunch to veterans and active military off a select menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11 at participating locations. |
| Wendy’s | Free breakfast combo during its breakfast service hours. No purchase required. Combos come with a small order of seasoned potatoes and a drink. Entree options include:
Sausage egg and cheese English muffin |
| Whataburger | Free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee on Nov. 11 to veterans and active-duty military members. Dine-in only at participating locations |
Note: A Valid Military ID is required for all the above offers.
Not all franchise locations participate in their national chain’s Veterans Day programs — be sure to contact your nearest establishment to make sure they are participating.