In President Barack Obama's Veterans Day 209 Proclamation he wrote: "Caring for our veterans is more than a way of thanking them for their service. It is an obligation to our fellow citizens who have risked their lives to defend our freedom. This selflessness binds our fates with theirs, and recognizing those who were willing to give their last full measure of devotion for us is a debt of honor for every American."
While there is no way to fully repay a veteran for their service, many companies and organizations are coming forward this week to give back at least a little by offering free meals and deals. I have posted the offers I have come across so far, but feel free to let me know if you come across any others.
Denny's: Free Grand Slam for active, in-active, reserved or retired military. Valid between 6am-2pm. You need to show valid military ID. Offer is good only at participating restaurants in the Washington DC, Baltimore, Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Richmond areas.
Outback Steakhouse: Veterans or active Military Personnel who visit Outback Steakhouse on Veterans Day can receive a Free Blooming Onion and Drink.
Krispy Kreme: Veterans or active military personnel that visit a participating U.S. Krispy Kreme location on Veterans Day will receive a Free Doughnut of their choice.
Applebee's: Veterans and active-duty military personnel eat free at Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restaurants this Veterans Day. Veteran’s can choose one of six dishes for free. Show up in uniform, or bring a U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave Statement, Veterans Organization Card or a photograph of yourself in uniform.
Uno's Chicago Grill: All members of the military who show up in uniform or with a service or veteran's ID to enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free entree or individual pizza on Veterans Day.
Golden Corral: On Monday November 16th Golden Corral will offer free "Thank You" dinner meals to active-duty military and veterans. The offer is good from 5pm to 9 pm.
Home Depot: All active-duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families can get a 10% discount off purchases of up to $2,000. Offer good through Veterans Day. Must present a valid military identification at checkout.
Lowes: All active-duty personal, reservists, retired military personnel and immediate family members get a 10% discount on in-store purchases up to $5,000 through Sunday at Lowe's stores. To qualify, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service.
Dollar General: All veterans, active duty military, National Guard and Reserve, and their immediate families will receive a 10% discount at Dollar General with a Veterans Day coupon. You can find the coupon in the November 1st Dollar General ad, or ask a Dollar General sales associate for the coupon.
Sam's Club: On Wednesday, Sam's Club stores across the country will distribute 25,000 Hugo brand canes free to military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Sam's Club membership is not required, but proof of service is.
Free Wedding Dress: Military brides can say "I do" in a free designer wedding gown. On Veterans Day Bridal store across the country are providing free gowns to military brides-to-be. In Hampton roads, Maya Couture in Norfolk will be giving out the free gowns. To qualify, brides must be engaged and either be on active duty in the military and have served in Iraq or Afghanistan or have a fiancé on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. Proof of service includes military ID or copy of deployment papers or orders. Dresses are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Natural Elements Spa & Salon: The Chesapeake spa is providing free services to Active duty military or veterans on Veterans Day from 10 AM - 9 PM. The Veterans interested in free services of Elemental Facial, Body Bliss Massage, and Hydrofying Hair must call Natural Elements Spa & Salon for their appointment. (757) 436-1141.
Virginia Air & Space Center: Free admission for veterans and retired military at the Virginia Air & Space Center. Now through Veterans Day.
Colonial Williamsburg : Free Admission for active duty military, guard and reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents. Good through Veterans Day.
National Parks: All of the areas managed by the U.S. Department of Interior is offering free admission to any and everyone on Veterans Day. This includes all national parks, forests, and monuments.
Veterans Day Music: Amazon is offering free downloads of the "Veterans Day Honor" album. It is music by the Bands and Ensembles of the US Armed Forces.
Texas Roadhouse: I don't have a like to this offer, but an ad in Flagship News stated that all active duty & retired military and up to 5 friends or family member can receive a 10% discount with a valid ID.
To all the veterans and active duty members of the military, Thanks for your service.