By Police1 Staff
Veterans Day, which celebrates, thanks and honors all those who have served in the U.S. military, was first observed on November 11, 1919. At the time, it was called Armistice Day, which marked the first anniversary of the end of World War I in 1918. The day – November 11 – was chosen because the war ended on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” It became a federal holiday in 1938, but it wasn’t called “Veterans Day” until 1954.
And because Veterans Day is a special time to show our appreciation and gratitude, many restaurants and retailers send their thanks by offering discounts to military members. Below, we have rounded up a variety of discounts as another way to say “thank you.” If we missed any, email us at editor@police1.com and we’ll add it to our list.
Applebee’s: On Nov. 11, all veterans and active duty military members will receive a free entrée from a special menu.
IHOP: Who doesn’t love pancakes? On Nov. 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., active duty military members and veterans will receive free red, white and blueberry pancakes (proof of service required).
Krispy Kreme: Veterans will receive a free donut of choice and a small brewed coffee (hot or iced) on Nov. 11.
Dunkin’ Donuts: Veterans and active duty members can choose a free donut of their choice – no ID or purchase required (in-store only) on Nov. 11.
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Get free hot or iced coffee of any size with purchase (ID required, in-store only) on Nov. 11.
Starbucks: Active duty, veterans and military spouses can get a free 12-ounce hot brewed or iced coffee on Veterans Day at participating locations.
Peet’s Coffee: Active military and veterans get a free Peet’s Coffee drip coffee or tea on Nov. 11.
Smoothie King: Select locations are giving active military and veterans free 20-ounce smoothies (with valid ID).
QuikTrip: Active military members and veterans (with ID) can get a free 30-ounce Big Q soft drink or coffee on Nov. 11.
Outback Steakhouse: Veterans, active duty members and spouses will get a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola beverage (dine-in only) on Nov. 11. The steakhouse also regularly provides a 10% discount for military veterans every day.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Get 10 free boneless wings and fries with a valid ID on Nov. 11.
Great Clips: Veterans and active duty members can get a free haircut or free haircut card to use through Dec. 9. Non-military customers who get a haircut can also pay it forward by giving a free haircut card to an active service member or veteran as a token of thanks.
Academy Sports + Outdoors: A 10% discount will be applied to your entire purchase – in-store or online – on Veterans Day to active service members, veterans and first responders through Nov. 13.
Target: Active duty members and veterans – as well as their spouses and children – will receive a 10% discount that can be used twice through Nov. 12.
Lindblad Expeditions: Veterans and active duty members can get a 20% discount on eight itineraries that feature moments of military significance across three destinations: the South Pacific, Europe and Japan. Available on select 2022 and 2023 departures for new bookings made Nov. 1 through Nov. 30, 2022.
Holland America Line: Active, retired or veteran military members get a $100 onboard credit per stateroom. Travelers can choose from more than 500 itineraries throughout 2024.
Sandals Resort or Beaches Resort: All military members can save 10% on their trip to any Sandals Resort or Beaches Resort.
Heroes Vacation Club: Active and retired police officers, firefighters, medical professionals, military personnel, teachers and government employees can get a free membership travel club for your vacation needs.
National Parks: All U.S. national parks that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone on Nov. 11.
UFC Gym and UFC Fit: Free memberships with access to a variety of facilities at participating locations across the U.S. through the end of 2022 to active duty and retired military. Participants must register by Nov. 30 (valid ID required).
5.11 Tactical: To show its appreciation to those who serve, 5.11 Tactical is offering a 25% discount off entire purchases (in-store and online) from Nov. 11 through Nov. 13.