Veterans Day on November 11 is a time to honor those who served in the U.S. armed forces. Many businesses and organizations celebrate by offering exclusive deals, free meals, and other special promotions for veterans and active-duty military. This article provides a comprehensive list of 2024 Veterans Day deals, sorted by type and brand to help veterans, military members, and their families access these generous offers.
Veterans Day 2024: Key Deals by Category
1. Free Meals and Discounts at Restaurants
- Applebee’s: Free entrée from a select menu, and veterans receive a $5 bounce-back coupon for future visits.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Free order of wings and fries for veterans and active-duty military.
- Denny’s: Complimentary Grand Slam breakfast during a specific time window on Veterans Day.
- Golden Corral: Veterans and active-duty military enjoy a free meal during Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Night.
These restaurants are among many honoring service members with free meals or significant discounts. Note that valid military identification or proof of service is generally required to redeem these offers.
2. Retail Discounts and Promotions
- Home Depot: 10% discount on eligible purchases for all veterans, reservists, and active-duty members.
- Target: A 10% discount on a full in-store or online purchase, valid during Veterans Day weekend.
- Academy Sports + Outdoors: 10-15% discount on Veterans Day for active military and veterans.
- Walgreens: 20% discount for all military members and their families on select items.
3. Travel and Lodging Discounts
- Marriott Hotels: Discounts of up to 20% at participating locations for active-duty military and veterans.
- Best Western: Exclusive discounts for military personnel during Veterans Day, extending to family members.
- Amtrak: Special fare discounts for active-duty members and veterans on various routes across the United States.
- Choice Hotels: Discounted rates at select properties when booking with a valid military ID.
4. Fitness and Wellness Offers
- Planet Fitness: Free access to all clubs nationwide for active-duty and retired military on Veterans Day.
- Gold’s Gym: Complimentary day passes on Veterans Day to honor active-duty members and veterans.
- YMCA: Some branches offer free day passes and military discounts on memberships year-round.
- GNC: Special discounts for military members on Veterans Day for fitness supplements and wellness products.
5. Tech and Subscription Discounts
- Apple: 10% discount for veterans and active-duty military, available on select devices and accessories.
- Microsoft Store: Exclusive discounts on devices, software, and services.
- Spotify: Discounted premium subscriptions for military members, including veterans.
- Amazon Prime: Special reduced rates on Amazon Prime memberships during Veterans Day for eligible military members.
Important Tips for Redeeming Veterans Day Deals
- Check Participation: Confirm that local branches are participating, as not all locations may honor the national deals.
- Proof of Service: Prepare military identification, VA cards, or discharge papers as proof for verification.
- Timing Restrictions: Many offers have specific redemption windows on Veterans Day, so be aware of each deal’s terms.
1. Restaurant Chains Extending Beyond Free Meals
- IHOP: Free breakfast combo available for veterans. Many locations also offer a “Red, White, and Blue Pancake Combo” as an option.
- Cracker Barrel: Complimentary dessert, available with any meal purchased on Veterans Day.
- Starbucks: Free tall (12 oz) hot or iced coffee for all veterans and active-duty military.
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans receive a 10% discount on their meal, available year-round, with additional Veterans Day promotions.
Some restaurants offer family-friendly discounts, allowing guests dining with veterans to receive smaller discounts or special rates.
2. Retailers Expanding Veterans Day Programs
- Lowe’s: Offers a year-round 10% discount but often increases the discount to 15% or includes additional items in honor of Veterans Day.
- Kohl’s: 30% discount on select in-store purchases for veterans, active-duty members, and their families.
- Bed Bath & Beyond: 25% discount for veterans and active military personnel. Many stores extend this offer throughout Veterans Day weekend.
- Old Navy: Special 15% discount, which can often be combined with regular in-store promotions.
Retailers often expand their veterans’ discounts during holidays, with seasonal promotions tied to Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and other patriotic holidays.
3. Special Travel, Entertainment, and Lodging Offers
- National Parks Service: Free entry to all national parks for veterans, valid on Veterans Day.
- Disneyland and Disney World: Special “Armed Forces Salute” ticket offers for veterans and active military, valid throughout the year.
- Hertz Car Rental: Veterans and active-duty military receive discounts and priority upgrades on rentals throughout Veterans Day weekend.
- SeaWorld: Complimentary one-day admission for veterans and their families. Available at select parks and requires pre-registration.
For travel-related deals, consider booking in advance or contacting customer service to understand the terms and validity during peak travel seasons.
How to Prepare for Veterans Day Discounts
Early Planning Tips
To make the most of these offers, veterans should plan ahead by researching which discounts align best with their needs. It’s helpful to call local branches or review brand-specific social media channels to confirm their participation in the Veterans Day promotions. Additionally, many brands announce special offers closer to Veterans Day, so staying informed is crucial.
Keeping Documentation Ready
Since most deals require identification verification, ensure that necessary documents are ready for quick access. Commonly accepted forms of proof include:
- Military ID cards (active, retired, or dependent)
- VA healthcare cards
- Discharge paperwork (DD Form 214)
- Veterans ID on driver’s licenses (in applicable states)
For family members redeeming offers, it’s wise to confirm in advance whether additional documentation is required for their eligibility.
Why These Offers Matter to Veterans and Businesses
Veterans Day offers are about more than just discounts; they demonstrate a broader appreciation for the sacrifices and services provided by military members. For many businesses, showing support through exclusive deals strengthens customer loyalty within the military community and reflects a commitment to honoring veterans year-round.