I’ve been trying to teach my boys that we value and respect our military – both those who are serving and those who have served.
A couple of SIMPLE ways to do that:
- THANK those we see in uniform.
- Stop what we are doing when we hear the national anthem, put our hands on our hearts and face the flag. During this time we reflect on our gratitude for our country and for the men and women who serve to protect it.
This summer my kids were outside playing when suddenly, the national anthem starting at Air Force Academy and we could hear it from our driveway. My son, Clark – age 7 at the time, stopped all of his friends from playing and showed them what to do when the national anthem is played. Afterwards, he explained why we do this.
I had to quickly take a picture as I stood with them because I didn’t want to forget this precious moment. Thank you to each of you who serve or have served!
One person I’m especially grateful for is my father-in-law, Kevin, who retired from the Air Force. Here he a man of honor and I’m glad to have him as my father-in-law and a Papa to my four sons. Here they last week, stopping once again to show honor during the National Anthem.
Not only does our family appreciate our veterans, but so do each of the following FIFTY stores and restaurants who are offering free food and drinks to our Veterans this weekend!
Applebee’s
Veterans and Active Duty Military can select a free meal from a limited menu on Veteran’s Day. Provide proof of service required.
Back Yard Burgers
Military veterans with valid ID, and active duty servicemembers in uniform, can enjoy a free ‘Classic Burger’ on Veterans Day.
Baker’s Square Free Breakfast
Veterans and active duty get a complimentary breakfast on Veterans Day at participating locations. Choose between Buttermilk Pancakes, three slices of French Toast or a Belgian Waffle.
Free burger or Flatbread on Veterans Day.
Bob Evans
Bob Evans Restaurants are offering free select menu items to Veterans and Active Duty Military on Veterans Day.
Bonanza Steakhouse
On Veterans Day, all former and current military service men and women enjoy a free buffet (beverage not included), at all participating Bonanza Steakhouses. Contact your local Bonanza for more details.
Bruegger’s Bagels
U.S. Military Veterans and active military members who show ID and proof of service can receive a Free Small Drip Coffee. No purchase necessary.
Buffalo Wild Wings Free Wings
Veterans and active duty military who dine-in at their local B-Dubs can receive a free one small order of traditional or boneless wings and a side of fries. At participating U.S. locations
California Pizza Kitchen
On Veterans Day, all veterans or active duty military personnel will be able to select a free entree 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.
Chevys Fresh Mex
On Veterans Day from 11am to 10pm, Chevys Fresh Mex will offer a complimentary Fresh Mex 3-Item combo to all active and veteran military personnel.
Free meal for Veteran’s on Veterans Day.
Chuck E. Cheese
To thank service members past and present, on Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11, Chuck E. Cheese’s will be offering one free personal pizza to all active and retired military members at participating stores nationwide. Promo code #5500.
Cici’s Pizza
Free pizza buffet if you show a valid Military ID.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Veterans receive a complimentary Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake dessert to veterans and an opportunity for guests to make purchases that support Operation Homefront. Veterans Day only.
Free Grand Slam on Monday.
Dunkin’ Donuts
On November 11, Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free donut at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide, no purchase necessary.
Famous Dave’s
On Nov. 11, in honor of Veteran’s Day all former and current military personnel will receive a free two meat Combo.
Granite City Food & Brewery
Veterans and active military can stop in for a complimentary lunch on Veterans Day from 11am – 3pm.
Houlihan’s
Receive a free entree from a select menu on Veteran’s Day 11/11 with proof of veteran status or active service in the military.
IKEA Free Entree
Veterans can enjoy a free entree at IKEA. Please show some form of military ID.
Joe’s Crab Shack
On November 11th, all veterans will receive a free appetizer. Present or display the coupon.
Logan’s Roadhouse
This Veterans Day, veterans and active duty drop on in for an American Roadhouse Meal on the house. Not valid in CA, NC, SC or Augusta, GA, locations. Veterans year round receive a 10% discount to guests who present a military or veterans’ ID.
Little Caesars Pizza
On Saturday, November 11, from 11am to 2pm, veterans and active military members can receive a free $5 HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo.
LongHorn Steakhouse
This Veterans Day LongHorn Steakhouse will offer a free appetizer or dessert (no purchase required, no restrictions) to anyone showing proof of military service.
Macaroni Grill
Free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti entrée this Veteran’s Day, Saturday, November 11th to all veterans and active military.
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
Margaritas is offering complimentary entrees to all veterans and active members of the military, as well as their significant others this Veterans Day.
Max & Erma’s Free Cheeseburger Combo Meal with Dessert
On Veterans Day, participating Max & Erma’s locations are celebrating veterans and active military personnel with a free cheeseburger, endless fries and a fountain drink.
Mimi’s Cafe
U.S. Veterans or active duty military personnel can select food items from a special menu on Veteran’s Day for free. Drink purchase is required. Please show proof of military service.
O’Charley’s
O’Charley’s will honor our military on Veterans Day by offering veterans and active duty service members a free $9.99 entree at any location on November 11th. Additionally, O’Charley’s offers a 10 percent military discount all year long.
Olive Garden Free Meal
On Veterans Day, Olive Garden restaurants will offer a free entrée from a special menu to active-duty military and veterans. The special menu features six of Olive Garden’s most popular items. Entrées are served with unlimited soup, salad and garlic bread sticks.
On The Border Free Entree
This Veterans Day, all veterans and active duty military will receive a free combo meal at OTB’s. The meal is from the”Create Your Own Combo menu,” which is a “choose 2” or “choose 3” menu.
Outback Steakhouse Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage
All active, retired military and veterans get a free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage on Veterans Day. Must have valid identification. Additionally, November 8 through November 10, military members will receive 20% off their check and, Military, Fire and Police heroes will receive 10% off their check.
Petro Stopping Centers
All active duty military, veterans and reservists with proof of service can enjoy a complimentary meal from a select menu that includes a beverage on Veterans Day Nov. 11 at any participating Country Pride or Iron Skillet restaurant nationwide.
Ponderosa Steakhouses
From 4pm-close on Veterans Day, all former and current military service men and women enjoy a free buffet (beverage not included) from participating Ponderosa locations. Contact your local Ponderosa for more details.
Red Lobster
To thank Veterans, active duty military and reservists, Red Lobster will offer a free appetizer or dessert from their select Veterans Day menu. To receive offer, show a valid military ID on November 11th.
All Veterans and Active Duty Military get a free dine-in Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Veterans Day 11/11.
Veterans and active military service members can choose a free meal from RibCrib’s Menu of Honor that includes a choice of two meats and two sides, including their slow-smoked meats and award-winning St. Louis spare ribs.
Rock & Brews is offering all active duty military, veterans, and first responders a complimentary meal on Veteran’s Day at any Rock & Brews location nationwide.
Rock Bottom Restaurants & Breweries
Participating locations will offer a free entrée on Veterans Day, November 11th, to veterans and active duty military. Vets can select from any entrée on the menu including Rock Bottom Signature Items.
This Veterans Day, all former and active duty service members of the military can enjoy a free appetizer.
Shoney’s Offers Free All You Care to Eat Breakfast
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 from 6am – 11 am.
Sizzler is proud to honor and celebrate United States veterans and active-duty military personnel with a free lunch and beverage before 4 p.m. on Veterans Day, November 11.
On Veterans Day, active duty service members, reservists, veterans and military spouses are invited to enjoy a free Tall Brewed Coffee.
On Veterans Day, all active, inactive and retired military personnel can get a complimentary meal (dine in only).
50% off for up to 2 veterans and 20% off for up to 6 additional guests at the table during dinner this Veterans Day.
Select from a free special veterans lunch menu including a beverage and sides.
Guests who show valid military ID can enjoy a free lunch menu item up to $12 on November 11th and 12th.
All who have served get a free Inn-Credible V.I.B. breakfast on Veterans Day.
