Honoring Those Who Served on Veterans Day 2014
Stores and Restaurants Offer Meals and Discounts to Veterans as Tribute
Veterans Day 2014 will be next Tuesday, November 11th. This day marks a special time when we honor those who have served our country. Many of our veterans have returned home to a heroes welcome while, disgustingly, others returned home only to have their countrymen turn their backs on them. Some remain out in the field fighting to keep our country – and the world – safe while countless others made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and did not return at all.
November 11, 1919, was first declared Armistice Day by president Woodrow Wilson, who said of the holiday that marked the anniversary of the end of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918:
To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.
Seven years later, a concurrent resolution was passed to honor the day with appropriate celebrations. Later, in 1938, Congress declared the day to be a legal holiday. Thus, the day was remembered as Armistice Day until 1954, when Congress changed the language to observe “Veterans Day” – a day on which all veterans would be honored, not just those who fought in WWI.
The tradition continues today as a day of remembrance when flags are placed on graves, parades fill city streets and businesses serve those who served our country. Below are some of the many businesses, restaurants and stores offering meals, discounts and more to our veterans. Note that, in most cases, to receive this benefit you will need to be in uniform or present a military ID or DD-214 and not all locations may be participating.
If we missed any, feel free to add them in the comments section below.
Applebee’s – Free Meal from signature Thank You Meal menu. Must present valid Veteran’s form of identification or be in uniform.
Bar Louie – Free Lunch or Dinner (up to $12) Monday, November 10th and Tuesday, November 11th for veterans and military personnel. Must show valid military I.D. or other proof of service.
Bob Evans – Free all–you-can-eat hotcakes for veterans and active military personnel. Show a valid military ID.
California Pizza Kitchen – Veterans or active duty military personnel can select a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu. Come in uniform or bring your military ID or other proof of service.
Carrabba’s – Free Appetizer November 8th through November 11th, 2014.
Champps – Free Cheeseburger and Fries. Must provide proof of service.
Cheeseburger in Paradise – On Tuesday, November 11 get a complimentary All-American Burger with fries to veterans, active and retired military personnel with beverage purchase and proof of service.
Chuck E. Cheese’s – 20 free tokens for U.S. Armed Forces veterans and active-duty military from Sunday, November 9, through Saturday, November 15. Military ID or proof of service is required.
Chili’s – Free Meal from a special Veterans Day menu. Must show proof of military service.
Friendly’s – Free breakfast, lunch or dinner with a valid military ID or honorable discharge card.
Golden Corral – 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.
Hooters – Free meal, up to $10.99 in value with any drink purchase, by presenting a military ID or proof of service.
IHOP – Free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At some locations, pancakes will be featured as part of a free combo plate including eggs, bacon and hashed browns.
Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut and coffee
Lone Star Steakhouse – Free entrée on Veterans Day to active duty and reserves.
Longhorn Steakhouse – Free Texas Tonion appetizer and non-alcohol beverage on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Includes veterans and current service members.
Max & Erma’s – Free Cheeseburger Combo Meal with Dessert
McCormick and Schmick’s – Free entree on Sunday, November 9th, 2014. All veterans must show official verification.
Olive Garden – Free meal for veterans and military active duty will receive a free meal from a special menu on Veterans Day.
On The Border – Veterans and active duty military will receive free OTB’s “Create Your Own Combo menu,” on Tuesday, November 11, 2014.
Outback Steakhouse – Free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage for active, retired military and veterans. Must have valid identification. All military personnel receive 15% off from November 12 – December 31, 2014.
Ponderosa Steakhouses – All former and current military service men and women enjoy a free buffet.
Red Lobster – 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 for veterans and active duty military.
Ruby Tuesday – Free appetizer on Veterans Day to all those who served or are serving.
Ryan’s – 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 – Free All-American Burger
Sizzler – Veterans, active duty, retired members of the military get a free lunch: 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.
Starbucks – Veterans, active duty military and their spouses get a free tall 12oz brewed coffee at participating stores.
Texas Roadhouse – Free Lunch from a free special veterans lunch menu including a beverage and sides on Nov. 11, 2014.
TGI Fridays – Free lunch from a special menu this Veterans Day.
Tim Hortons – Free doughnut. Valid ID required or show up in uniform.
Travel Centers of America – All CDL drivers who are Military Veterans eat free at participating full-service restaurants with proof of service. Must present valid ID.
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.