Tomorrow, we celebrate Veterans Day, a date set aside to honor all those who have served in our armed forces. Veterans Day 2017 actually falls on Saturday, so the federal custom is to celebrate Saturday holidays on Friday.
Our Veterans Day coincides with Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other countries, commemorating the fact that World War I ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect.
It wasn't until 1954 that Armistice Day in the United States was renamed. It's appropriate as well to note that Veterans Day is <i> not </i> the same as Memorial Day. Veterans Day's purpose is to honor <i> all </i> who have served. Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service.
Those we honor on Saturday probably work alongside you every day, and I'd encourage you to thank them for their service. Were it not for their service, we'd be living in a very different world today.
As has become the custom, there are various free deals for veterans. And we're glad to help spread the news. If you're planning to take advantage of the offers, here are two suggestions:
Friday Nov. 10, 2017
BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, Nov. 10-11, 2017. Free entree, up to $12.95 value. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans, with proof of service. Guests over the age of 21 are also invited to raise a glass to veterans for just $6 each. More info. Locations.
Boston Market, Nov. 10th – Nov 12, 2017. Buy one individual meal with drink and get a second free at all U.S. locations; coupon (but no I.D.) is required and available at BostonMarket.com. Available for all veterans, service members, and their families. No ID required. Locations.
Denny's, Nov. 10, 2017. Free Build Your Own Grand Slam® on Nov. 10, from 5 a.m. to noon for all active, inactive, and retired military personnel. Participating locations only. Please call ahead. More info. Locations.
Farmer Boys, Nov. 10, 2017. Free Big Cheese cheeseburgers to veterans and active duty military with valid proof of service. Locations.
Firebird's Grill, Nov. 10, 2017. Buy one get one free (Free entree equal to or less than your purchase). More info.
IHOP, Nov. 10, 2017. Free Red, White and Blue pancakes. Participating locations only. Please call ahead to verify participation. More info.
Spaghetti Warehouse, Nov. 10th – Nov 12, 2017. Buy one entrée, get one free. Coupon Required (available on their website and FaceBook page on Nov. 3). Choose any of 11 Original Recipe Spaghetti entrées and receive a second entrée free. Friends and relatives are encouraged to treat a veteran to a meal. More Info. Locations.
Saturday Nov. 11, 2017
Applebee's, Nov. 11, 2017: Applebee's is offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. There will be 8 entrées to choose from. Military ID or proof of service required. More info. Locations.
Back Yard Burgers, Nov. 11, 2017. Free Classic Burger for veterans and active duty military members. Bring proof of military service. Back Yard Burgers offers a 20 percent discount to service men and women year-round. Locations.
Baker's Square, Nov. 11, 2017. Free breakfast choice of Buttermilk Pancakes, three pieces of French Toast, or a Belgian Waffle for veterans and active duty military members. Bring proof of military service. More info.
Black Angus Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2017. Veterans and active military will receive a delicious Certified Angus Beef® Top Sirloin Steak, served with home-style mashed potatoes, broccoli with garlic butter and Sweet Molasses Bread for $9.99. I.D. required. *Offer not valid at Vancouver-WA and Temecula locations. Offer only valid on 11/11/17 from Open to 3pm. More info. Locations.
Bob Evans, Nov. 11, 2017. Free select breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. For active duty military, retirees, and veterans with ID or proof of service. More Info. Locations.
Calhoun's Restaurant, Nov. 11, 2017. Free meal, choice of Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que Half Slab of Ribs, Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que Pork Plate, "Ale" Steak, Fresh Chicken Calhoun, and Southern Fried Catfish. Proof of Service required. Locations.
California Pizza Kitchen, Nov. 11, 2017. Choose a pizza, full size salad, or pasta from the special Veterans Day Menu. Dine-in only. Please come in uniform or bring your military I.D. or other proof of service. Find a location near you.
Cattlemens Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2017. Free 8 oz Sirloin Steak Dinner on Veterans Day. Call your local Cattlemen's for details and to verify participation. Proof of service required. More info. Locations.
Cici's Pizza, Nov. 11, 2017. Free pizza buffet with Military ID. Locations.
Cracker Barrel, Nov. 11, 2017. Complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake. More info.
Dunkin' Donuts, Nov. 11, 2017. Free donut to Veterans and active duty military at participating restaurants nationwide. More info.
Famous Dave's, Nov. 11, 2017. Free 2 Meat Combo served with choice of side and corn bread muffin – for veterans and current military members. Bring proof of service. Participating locations only more details.
Friendly's, Nov. 11, 2017. Free Big-Two-Do® breakfast (choice of two slices of French toast, two buttermilk pancakes or two slices of toast; two strips of crispy bacon or two sausage links and two made-to-order farm fresh eggs), or All American Burger (fries and a beverage) during lunch or dinner. Dine-in only. Limited to one per person. Offer available for active military and veterans with ID or discharge papers. Participating locations only. Locations.
Hooters, Nov. 11, 2017. Hooters invites all veterans and current servicemen and women to enjoy a free meal from a select menu. Requires drink purchase. Only valid at participating locations. Locations.
Huddle House, Nov. 11, 2017. FREE order of Sweet Cakes (Huddle House's fluffy, platter-size pancakes available in eight different flavor and topping combinations) to all active military members and veterans with proper I.D. on Veterans Day at all Huddle House locations nationwide. Locations.
Little Caesars® Pizza, Nov. 11, 2017. Free pizza or $5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo to all US Armed Forces veterans and active military members between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. With proof of military service, at participating stores nationwide. Call ahead to verify participation. More info. Locations.
Logan's Roadhouse, Nov. 11, 2017. Free entrée from select menu for veterans and active duty military personnel. Call your local Logan's Roadhouse for details and to verify participation. More info. Locations.
Max & Erma's, November 11, 2017. Participating Max & Erma's locations are offering military members and veterans a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo, which includes seasoned fries and a fountain drink. Dine-in only. Call ahead to verify participation. ID or proof of service required. Locations.
Mimi's Café, Nov. 11, 2017. Veterans or active duty military personnel can select a free item from a special menu. Drink purchase required and proof of Military ID. Locations.
Mission BBQ, Nov. 11, 2017. Free sandwiches and cake for active duty military members and veterans at participating locations. While supplies last. Locations.
Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub, Nov. 11, 2017. From 11am – 4pm. Veterans and active
O'Charley's, Nov. 11, 2017. Free $9.99er for veterans and active duty service members on November 11th. More info. Find a location near you.
On The Border, Nov. 11, 2017. Veterans and current servicemembers will receive a free choose 2 or choose 3 "Create Your Own Combo". Dine-in only, proof of service required. Find a location near you.
Outback Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2017. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America's military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin' Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage. This offer is available to Military Personnel and veterans with ID. Also receive 15% off your purchase from Nov. 12-Dec 31, 2017. Locations.
Pinnacle Entertainment (Casino Chain), Nov. 10, 2017. Select locations are offering a free lunch buffet meal for current military members and veterans. Please call ahead to verify times and participation. ID or proof of service required. More info and locations.
Red Lobster, Nov. 11, 2017. Free Appetizer or Dessert with military ID or proof of service. Vets may choose from a select list of appetizers and desserts. Find a location near you.
Red Robin, Nov. 11, 2017. Free Red's Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries for all Red Robin guests with a military ID or proof of service. Locations.
Romano's Macaroni Grill, Nov. 11, 2017. Free Mom's Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti entrée for current and former military. Locations.
Ruby Tuesday's, Nov. 11, 2017. Free appetizer (up to $10) at participating locations, proof of service required. More info. Locations.
Ruby's Diner, Nov. 11, 2017. Complimentary breakfast, lunch, or dinner from special menu. Valid for all military service members past and present, at participating locations only More info. Locations.
Shoney's, Nov. 11, 2017. Free All You Care To Eat, freshly-prepared Breakfast Bar for veterans and active duty servicemembers. Dine-in only, from 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Proof of Service required. Locations.
Sizzler Restaurants, Nov. 11, 2017. Free lunch served until 4pm. Choice of 3 entrees, and a free coffee, tea, or fountain drink. Not valid for salad bar or gratuity. Valid with proof of military service. Dine-in only at participating locations. Locations.
Texas Roadhouse, Nov. 11, 2017. Free meal from special menu. Includes sides and a soft drink, coffee, or tea. Proof of service required. Dine-in only. More info. Find locations.
T.G.I. Friday's, Nov. 11, 2017. Free lunch menu item up to $12 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. local time for all current military members and veterans. These guests will also receive a $5 coupon for their next meal at Fridays. Valid ID or proof of service required. Dine-on only at participating locations. Be sure to contact your local T.G.I Friday's for details. More info. Locations.
White Castle, Nov. 11, 2017. Free Breakfast Combo or Castle Combo meal #1-6 for veterans and active duty military. Bring proof of military service. More info..
Wild Wing Cafés, Nov. 11, 2017. Complimentary meal with proof of service. Veteran may choose from any Awesome Salad, Wild Wrap, Beefy Burger or Chicken Sandwich. Participating locations only. More info.
54th Street Grill, Nov. 11, 2017. Free entree, up to $12, for Veterans and Active Duty Military. Proof of service required. (source). Locations.
These new deals and offers come to us courtesy of The Military Wallet (www.themilitarywallet.com) You can visit them to get the latest information at:
https://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-fee-meals-and-discountshttps://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-fee-meals-and-discounts
Again, thanks to all our veterans for your service.
--Jim Shepherd