Veterans Day Specials 2011

Updated!

Veterans Day is observed on November 11, commemorating the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was originally known as Armistice Day, and is still celebrated as Armistice Day in other parts of the world.

This year, Veterans Day falls on a very special date: 11/11/11. Please pause at 11:11 a.m., wherever you are, and say a quick prayer of gratitude for the millions of men and women who have served to protect and preserve our freedom. And be sure to thank the veterans you know.

While technically, a veteran is someone who has been discharged from active duty service, traditionally America honors both veterans and active duty service members on Veterans Day. Some of these specials are for veterans only; some include active duty.

We extend our thanks to the following merchants for recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of our military members with Veterans Day specials. If you'll ask, you'll learn that in many instances, the company is owned by veterans. Others simply take this opportunity to express their gratitude on Veterans Day.

If you know of other Veterans Day Specials we haven't listed here, please let us know using the form at the bottom of the page. Unless a different date is specified, these offers are available on Friday, November 11, 2011.

Restaurants

• McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants - Sunday, November 13, 2011, military veterans (defined as those who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable) with proper identification will receive a free entree at lunch or dinner, at participating locations in the chain of 87 restaurants.

  This is a 13-year tradition at McCormick & Schmicks, whose owners are veterans. They explained that the event is scheduled for a weekend day so that service members can bring their families.

  Reservations strongly recommended. Some locations already booked!Details and reservations.

• Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar invites veterans and active duty members to come in on Veterans Day, for a free entree selected from a special menu at any of its participating locations. A military ID, copy of your DD-214, or a photo of yourself in uniform will be sufficient ID to qualify for the free offer. Details.
• Chili's: Free meal on Veterans Day at participating locations, for veterans and active duty. Limited menu, beverages and gratuity not included.
• Golden Corral: Free dinner on Monday, November 14 between 5 and 9 p.m. Veterans, active duty, Guard and Reserves.
• Hooters: Ten free wings (boneless or traditional) with purchase of a drink. Veterans and active duty with proof of service or military ID.
• Outback Steakhouse restaurants invite veterans and active duty to join them on Veterans Day for a free Bloomin' Onion appetizer and a non-alcoholic beverage of their choice.
• Uno Chicago Grill offers veterans and military members a discount of 19.43% off their entire food bill, as a thank you to veterans and a salute to the year the company was founded - 1943. Wearing a uniform or showing a photo of yourself in uniform is sufficient ID to qualify for the free offer.
• Texas Roadhouse: Free meal from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Veterans Day. Offer may be available at different hours at different locations, so call your local Texas Roadhouse for more information about their offer.
• T.G.I.Friday's: Buy one, get one free on Veteran's Day at participating locations, for anyone with current or old military ID.
• Subway: Free Six-Inch Sub to military veterans and active duty on Veterans Day at participating locations. Call your local Subway for more information and to learn whether it is a participating location.

• Abuelo's Mexican Food Restaurants: All veterans and active-duty military receive a free entree.
• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts offers veterans and active duty military a free doughnut of their choice on Veterans Day at any participating location. Call ahead to be sure your local KK is participating.

• Brides Across America: Provides free designer wedding gowns to qualified military brides. Click the link for details.
• Lowe's & Home Depot: Extra 10% off to active-duty military members, National Guard and reserve members, retirees, honorably discharged veterans and immediate family members.
• Sam's Club: Over 36,000 Hugo canes will be given away to U.S. veterans in need of mobility assistance. Membership is not required, but supplies are limited, so check with your local store. Proof of service may be required.
• Sport Clips: Free haircut for active duty military and veterans, at select locations. Call to verify local participation.
• Amazon.com: Free "Veterans Day Honor" MP3 album download. The album includes 12 songs by The Bands and Ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Sears Salute to Local Heroes: Nov. 11-12, 10% off regular, sale, and clearance prices. Available to all military, veterans, police, firefighters, teachers, and hospital staff.
• Cabela's Outdoor Store: Offers their employee discount to all veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel Nov. 11-12. Discounts vary from 5% to 50%, depending on the item.
• Sleep Number Stores: Free travel pillow to active duty military and retirees through November 14. Find your "sleep number" and get a free travel pillow.
• Build-a-Bear Workshop: Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps, will receive a 20% discount Nov. 11-15 on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop.
• Dollar General: 10% discount for all veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and reserve and their immediate families.
• Fashion Bug: 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse's military ID.

We have not been able to verify that all of these specials will be offered for Veterans Day 2011, so to avoid disappointment, call to confirm first. We are giving free promotion here to those who offered Veterans Day Specials for 2010, in hopes they are doing it again.

• National Parks, Forests and Monuments: Admission is free on Veterans Day.
• Knott's Berry Farm: Free park admission to U.S. armed forces personnel and one guest during Veteran's Month, November.
• Colonial Williamsburg: Free admission for active-duty military, guard and reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents.
• San Jacinto Museum of History: Free visits to the Observation Deck, theatre, and special exhibit for veterans, active duty military personnel and their families.
• Historic Jamestown: Free admission to veterans, current Armed Forces members and their family members.
• Battleship Cove, Fall River, MA: Free admission and a special ceremony for veterans, active duty and reservists.
• Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi: Free admission for all veterans and active military.
• Vulcan Park and Museum: In Birmingham, Alabama is offering discounted admission through November to the park and museum.
• Greenbay (WI) New Zoo Free admission to veterans and their families.
• Central Florida Zoo: Free admission to the Sanford, Florida zoo with proper ID.
• Strategic Air & Space Museum: Free admission for veterans to the Ashland, Nebraska, museum.
• National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: In Oklahoma City offers free admission to veterans and five guests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day.
• Natural Elements Spa & Salon: In Chesapeake, Virginia, will provide free services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to both active duty and retired military. (Sure wish I were close enough to go!)

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Post your own message of thanks to our veterans

And while you're here, post your holiday messages for our troops.

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