As I’ve mentioned before, the majority of the men in my family – past and present – have served in some branch of the United States military. The older generations were sent overseas to Korea, Vietnam, Japan and Thailand, just to name a few, while others landed in the Middle East.
Regardless of their tour of duty, each took immense pride in their service to country, and we were truly a blessed and grateful family, because we didn’t lose a single loved one to war or conflict. Unfortunately, Gold Star families cannot say that.
I’m very proud of the Veterans in my family, community, our country and around the world. It is with a spirit of gratitude and in service to you that I’ve done some research into Military Benefits to provide a list of area attractions, businesses and restaurants that are offering freebies and discounts to Veterans and military personnel on Veteran’s Day, Thursday, Nov 11th.
2021 Local Veterans Day Deals for Veterans
“Please note that the following types of local institutions, stores and restaurants are offering free items or discounts on Veterans Day or the day after. While this list has been updated for 2021, be sure to call ahead and ask to confirm the discount and what you’ll need to show for proof of service,” suggests the Military Benefits website.
7-Eleven – Get a free coffee or Big Gulp on Veterans Day. Download the 7-eleven app and sign in or register.
Applebee’s – Veterans and active-duty military can select a free meal from a limited menu on Veterans Day. Proof of service required.
Bar Chinchilla – St Petersburg, FL – On Veterans Day, all veterans receive a free glass of beer or wine.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – Free meal for veterans with a purchase of equal or greater value up to $10 on Veterans Day.
Big Boy – Veterans can come in on Veterans Day with a valid ID and pick up a voucher for a free future meal. Participating locations only. Limit 200 per store.
BJ’s Restaurant – On Veterans Day, all service members can enjoy a complimentary entrée up to $14.95, plus a free Dr Pepper by presenting a military ID or proof of service.
Bob Evans – Bob Evans Restaurants are offering free select menu items to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day.
Buffalo Wild Wings Free Wings – All day on Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military who dine in or call for takeout at their local B-Dubs can receive a free order of boneless wings and a side of fries. At participating U.S. locations only.
California Pizza Kitchen – On Veterans Day, all veterans or active-duty military personnel will be able to select a free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu including pizza, salads and pasta. Please come in uniform or bring your military ID or other proof of service.
Chili’s Grill & Bar – All veterans and active-duty military personnel can choose a complimentary meal from a select menu on Veterans Day.
Chuck E. Cheese – Offers a discount to military families when you show your Common Access Card, Uniformed Services ID Card, or Dependent ID Card.
Cicis Pizza – Free adult buffet with valid active-duty or retired military ID on Veterans Day.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store – During military family appreciation month, Cracker Barrel will offer in-store specials on Veterans Day for military veterans and promotions throughout November to support military families in partnership with Operation Homefront. On Veterans Day, veterans can receive a free slice of double fudge Coca-Cola cake with their meal.
The Dali Museum – St. Petersburg, FL – Military veterans and active military get free admission on Veterans Day.
Dell – Military members can get 10% off select Dell and Alienware electronics and PCs.
Denny’s – All active, non-active or retired military personnel at all participating Denny’s restaurants nationwide will receive a free build-your-own grand slam breakfast on Veterans Day 5 a.m.-noon. Diners must show ID to receive this offer.
Duffy’s Sports Grill –Tampa, Sarasota, FL – Military veterans and active military eat free on Nov. 11 if they each purchase an additional meal.
Dunkin’ Donuts – On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free donut at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide, no purchase necessary.
Einstein Bros. Bagels – On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced medium coffee.
Famous Dave’s - On Veterans Day, all former and current military personnel will receive a free Georgia chopped pork sandwich plus a side. Dine-in or to go.
Florida Aquarium – Tampa, FL – All active, reserve, former and retired military service members (including the National Guard) can receive two free general-admission tickets between Nov. 7 and Nov. 11. Up to four additional guests can each receive up to half-off admission.
Gold Star Chili – For all who served, enjoy a free three-way and drink on Veterans Day.
Golden Corral – All active and former military members can pick up a free “thank you meal” promotional card that’s good for one free lunch or dinner buffet and beverage throughout November. One promotional card per person.
Grillsmith – Carrolwood, Countryside, Lakeland, Sarasota, Wesley Chapel, FL – There is a complimentary entree for each active or retired military member on Veterans Day.
HART Public Transportation – Hillsborough County, FL – People with IDs from the U.S. military or proof of prior service can ride HART free on Veterans Day.
Hooters – Veterans can stop in for 10 free boneless wings with the purchase of any 10 from a long list of wing styles on Veterans Day.
Huddle House – A free MVP breakfast platter is offered to all active military members and veterans with proper ID on Veterans Day.
IHOP – All active duty and veterans are invited to come in and enjoy free red, white and blue Pancakes on Veterans Day, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Ikea – Enjoy a free meal at Ikea on Veterans Day. Military ID required.
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art – St Petersburg, FL – Military veterans and active military get free museum admission in honor of Veterans Day when they show their military IDs.
Jet’s Pizza – On Veterans Day, America’s military veterans, retirees and active-duty personnel can order 50% off menu-priced pizzas with a military ID. Pick up orders only. Not available online.
Jiffy Lube – Active duty and former military members can get 15% off all services at Jiffy Lube, year-round.
Joe’s Crab Shack – On Veterans Day, all veterans can enjoy 20% off. Valid for parties up to four.
Ker’s WingHouse Bar and Grill – Brandon, Clearwater, Lakeland, Largo, New Port Richey, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Tampa, Wesley Chapel, FL – There is a free meal from a select menu for military veterans and active military on Veterans Day.
Krispy Kreme Free Doughnut & Coffee – On Veterans Day, a doughnut and coffee will be on the house.
Little Caesars Pizza – On Veterans Day, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., veterans and active military members can receive a free lunch combo, which features four slices of Little Caesars popular Detroit-style deep-dish pizza, paired with a 20-ounce Pepsi product.
Lowe’s – Veterans and military personnel will receive 10% off. Lowe’s offers a year-round military discount.
Macaroni Grill – On Veterans Day, all veterans and active military receive a free Mom’s ricotta meatballs + spaghetti with military ID.
O’Charley’s – All active and retired military service members are invited to enjoy a free meal from O’Charley’s. Veterans can choose from O’Charley’s “veterans thank you menu” all day on Veterans Day simply by showing their military IDs. Restaurant participation may vary by location. O’Charley’s also offers a military discount of 10% off all year long.
Outback Steakhouse – This Veterans Day, all military veterans, active service members can enjoy a free bloomin’ onion and Coca-Cola.
Pilot Flying J/U.S. Pilot – All active-duty and retired military veterans get a free breakfast including a coffee, Monday through Sunday, Nov. 9-15. The offer is available via the app.
Red Lobster – On Veterans Day, to thank veterans, active-duty military and reservists, Red Lobster will offer a free appetizer or dessert from its select Veterans Day menu. To receive the offer, show a valid military ID.
Red Robin – Veterans and active military who are Red Robin Royalty members can redeem their free tavern double burger with steak fries any time between Nov. 12 and Nov. 30 for dine-in or to go. The offer will be automatically uploaded to your dashboard.
Shoney’s - Shoney’s says thank you to America’s heroes by offering a free all-you-care-to-eat breakfast to all veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day until 11 a.m.
Smokey Bones – Free on Veterans Day, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. for active-duty and retired military members.
Smoothie King – Free 20-ounce smoothie with a military ID on Veterans Day.
Sonny’s BBQ – On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military with valid ID will receive a free pulled or sliced pork sandwich plus a voucher for free BBQ egg rolls on a future visit. Dine-in or takeout only.
Starbucks – On Veterans Day, active-duty service members, Reservists, veterans and military spouses are invited to enjoy a free tall (12-ounce) hot brewed coffee.
TCBY – First six-ounces are free for veterans and active military on Veterans Day.
Texas de Brazil – Veterans receive 25% off dinner Nov. 9-Nov. 12.
Texas Roadhouse – Is handing out vouchers for a free meal to all veterans and active-duty military 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Veterans Day. Vouchers will be distributed in the parking lots at Texas Roadhouse locations.
Tijuana Flats – Active military and veterans will receive 50% off all adult entrées with a valid ID on Veterans Day. The offer is valid for in-store and takeout orders. Orders may also be placed online on the Tijuana Flats rewards app.
TooJay’s – Lakeland, Sarasota, Tampa, FL – Veterans and active-duty military eat free on Veterans Day from a select menu.
Trikaroo – New Port Richey, FL – Receive $200 off your purchase of a new Trikaroo electric scooter during the week of Nov. 8 through Nov. 15.
United Skates – Tampa, FL – Free admission for active and veteran military personnel with a valid military ID on Nov. 11. Up to four people can get free admission as a group.’
Village Inn – Free V.I.B. breakfast on Veterans Day.
Wawa – Free coffee for veterans, active duty and family members on Veterans Day.
Wendy’s – Wendy’s nationwide are offering a free small breakfast combo with valid military ID on Veterans Day. No purchase is necessary.
Zaxby’s – At participating locations only, on Veterans Day, get free boneless wings for all current and former military members.
Before Veterans and military families venture out:
- Review the official site information and rules before heading out. Many websites are listing promotions from previous years that are no longer valid. We link to the official information.
- Be sure to bring proof of military service, uniform photo or be in uniform. Proof of military service varies by company. See the list of states now offering a Veterans designation on a driver’s license.
- Pay attention to the dates on the Veterans Day offer as some offers are for days other than Veterans Day or extended over several days.
- Most of the restaurant free meals are for dine-in only.
- Verify that you’re eligible for the offer.
- You should tip your server. They’re working hard to serve you and depend on the income. We recommend tipping on the actual cost of the meal.
- Many of these promotions include small print that says participating locations only. Unfortunately, individual franchisees may choose not to participate. Fortunately, some franchisees participate even if the corporate company does not.
- Call ahead if you’re unsure about anything.
I hope veterans take advantage of these great offers on Veteran’s Day and those offered year-round! If you are a veteran who lives alone in the Clearwater area and you could benefit from in-home care services, companionship or more specialized care, but you don’t know where to start, I can answer your questions and provide resources about Aid and Attendance benefits. I will gladly schedule a FREE Consultation at your convenience to assess specific needs and find the perfect caregiver for approved caregiving services for you or your special senior veteran. Call me today: 727.942.2539
On behalf of everyone at Home Helpers® Clearwater, I want to wish all Veterans, military personnel and their families a very Happy Veterans Day! Thank you for your service.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award for the fifth consecutive year: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021. We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier℠ 727.942.2539
Source: