Veterans Day - Salute The Sacrifice Not The Sales Tactics
We have become a nation where pop-culture rules the airwaves. It seems that a movie or ‘reality’ star having a stint in rehab or dying of a drug overdose puts the nation into a state of mourning. Where are the stories about actual ‘reality’? About the men and women who have put their lives on the line to secure the very freedom we all enjoy? The freedom for me to write this piece. The freedom for you to read it? Have we as a society become that superficial and desensitized?
According to the Department of Defense (DOD) the number of military casualties (KIA) from October 7, 2001 to July 28, 2015 are 6,825.The number of wounded (WIA) 52,351. The number of diagnosed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Cases (PTSD) is a staggering 138,197. What is missing from here is the number of suicide deaths. Did you know that 22 veterans take their own life each day? (If you need help: Suicide Hotline Phone: (800) 273-TALK (8255) http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ ) How often do you see that on the cover of the newspaper? How often do you see members of our Military on the front page of the newspaper or on a TV show for doing what they do? For putting their lives on the line. Sadly, not often enough. It seems having a limb blown off by an IED is not sensational enough to rival such heroic duties as overdosing in a brothel. But who am I to make that distinction?
One of the days of the year you will hopefully see our nation’s Military gracing the cover of newspapers and magazines is Veterans Day. Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day and marked the end of hostilities of World War I. This occurred at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. The day is always recognized on November 11th, regardless of the day of the week the 11th falls on. It is a day Americans are encouraged to say thank you to those who serve and have served our country to maintain the freedoms we all enjoy. Yet again, Americans have turned an important holiday of recognition into merely a sales tactic.
Now I ask you, what does the sale of a mattress have to do with the Veterans Day holiday? Still thinking? Absolutely nothing. If some of these sales involved ‘giving back’ by donating to a military charity or something of that nature, I could certainly understand the correlation. Unfortunately, most only utilize the ‘term’ Veterans Day for their own profit. Our Veterans deserve so much more.
Please remember our Veterans on this Veterans Day and every day. Let’s show our Veterans how thankful we are for their sacrifice on behalf of this country, and what it stands for. Get involved! Take your children to a VA center to cheer up our Veterans. Fly your flags proudly. Head to a participating restaurant (listed below), purchase a ‘gift card’ and leave it behind to be given to a Veteran! Let us all give the respect to our Veterans that they so truly deserve. Every little bit makes a difference! Our Dina Parise Racing team has always believed that!
Thankfully there are companies out there that do pass along the gratitude that our Veterans deserve! There are many companies that will provide Veterans with discounts or a free meal. I have included the list of restaurants below.
Andrew and I are off to spend the evening with some amazing Veterans and their families!
Thank you to ALL our Veterans and to those currently serving our country! We appreciate your sacrifice!
See you at the Races~
Dina Parise
Below is the list of restaurants offering discounts or a free meal for our Veterans.
You will find more discounts by visiting: http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/ . We thank them for this list!
Two notes before heading out:
Proof of Military Service. Most companies require some form of military ID. These include: a Military ID Card (active/reserve/retired), VA ID card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Drivers License with Veterans Designation, Photograph in uniform, wearing your uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification. Note, there is a New Federal Veterans ID Card coming soon. Other restaurants and companies may go by the honor system.
Participation. Second, always call ahead to verify locations, times, and participation. Many of the listed companies are franchises and may have different policies. We will do our best to keep this page updated as we find new info.
2015 Free Veterans Day Meals
Note: We are frequently updating this page with 2015 offers as they become available. Please verify dates, participation, and availability.
Applebees , free meal, Nov. 11, 2015: Last year, Applebee’s served over one million free meals to military veterans and active service members. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. There will be 7 entrées to choose from, beverage and gratuity not included. Military ID or proof of service required. More.
Bar Louie America , Free meal on Nov. 10th and 11th, 2015. From open to close November 10th and 11th every Bar Louie location across the country will offer veterans and military personnel a free meal up to a $12 value. Available at participating locations, military ID or proof of service is required. Locations.
BJs Restaurant and Brewery, Nov. 11, 2015. Free entree, up to $12.95 value. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans, with proof of service. More info. Locations.
Bob Evans, Nov. 11, 2015. Free All you can eat hotcakes. For active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. More Info. Locations.
Bonanza Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. Free Veterans Day buffet at participating locations. More info. Locations.
Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille. Free 6 oz Sirloin and two sides. Locations.
Buehler’s Grocery, Nov. 11, 2015. Free breakfast menu meal for veterans and active duty military. From 7:00 am until 11:00 am at participating locations. Locations.
Buffalo’s Cafe, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal at participating locations. Locations.
Calhoun’s Restaurant, Nov. 11, 2015. 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, 2015. 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.
Carraba’s, Monday Nov. 9 – Sunday Nov. 15, 2015. Free appetizer of your choice for active duty service members and veterans. Military ID or proof of service required. Locations.
Cattlemens Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. Free 8 oz Sirloin Steak Dinner on Veterans Day. Includes all-you-can-eat salad, sourdough bread, baked potato, and ranch style beans. Proof of service required. Locations.
CentraArchy Restaurants, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal for veterans and 25% off meals for accompanying guests at Fiesta del Burro Loco, all California Dreaming restaurants, Carolina Roadhouse, all Chophouse 47 restaurants, Gulfstream Cafe, Joey D’s Oakroom all New York Prime restaurants, and The Tavern at Phipps. Locations.
Cheeseburger in Paradise, Nov. 11 2015. Free All-American Burger with fries with purchase of beverage and military ID or proof of service. Available to active military or veterans. Beverages and gratuity not included, dine-in only, and participating locations only. More info. Find a location near you.
Chilis Restaurant – Free meal, Nov. 11 2015. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of any lunch combo, or your choice of a dinner meal from a select menu, including any full-size flatbread. Offer only available at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.
City Barbeque, Nov. 11, 2015. Free sandwich platter at participating locations. Proof of service required. Locations.
Claim Jumper, Nov. 9, 2015. Free entrée from select menu, with official proof of service. Dine-in only. Locations.
Cotton Patch Café, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal for current and former military members. Choices include full-size chicken fried steak, or chicken fried chicken. Proof of service required. Locations.
Country Cookin, Nov. 10, 2015. Free meal for current and former military. Proof of service required. Please note the date – this is valid the day before Veterans Day! Locations.
Denny’s, Nov. 11, 2015. Free Build Your Own Grand Slam® on Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to noon for all active, inactive, and retired military personnel. Participating locations only. Please call ahead. Locations.
Fatz Eatz & Drinkz, Nov. 11, 2015. Free World Famous Calabash Chicken® meal for current and former military members, 11am until close. Proof of service required. Locations.
Fox and Hound Bar and Grille and Bailey’s Sports Grille, Nov. 11, 2015. Free Sandwich or Entree (up to $10) for active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. Dine-in only and at only at participating locations. Locations.
Friendly’s, Nov. 11, 2015. Free breakfast, lunch, or dinner with ID. Dine-in only. Limited to one per person. Offer available for active military and veterans with ID or discharge papers. Participating locations only. Locations.
Glory Days, Nov. 11, 2015. Free appetizer or an order or boneless wings. Dine-in only and at only at participating locations. Locations.
Golden Corral free veterans day meal Golden Corral – Free meal, Nov. 11, 2015 (5pm – 9pm): The 15th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation dinner. For more information visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/.
*Special thanks to Golden Corral: To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 4.4 million free meals and contributed over $10.2 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization. Amazing!*
Green Mill, Nov. 11, 2015. Free menu item for lunch or dinner. Offer includes any single item from our menu. Pizza restricted to a small one-topping Deep Dish. Proof of military service required. More Info. Locations.
Grub Burger Bar, Nov. 11, 2015. 50% off of meal, and a free Caramel Apple shake. Proof of military service required. More Info. Locations.
Hooters, Nov. 11, 2015. 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.
Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea House, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal form the American Values Menu, Nov. 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Dine-in only, valid ID or proof of service required. Valid at participating restaurants only. Locations.
Hurricane Grill & Wings, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal from special menu at participating locations. Proof of service required. Locations.
Hy-Vee , Nov. 11, 2015. Free Veterans Day breakfast from 7am – 11am at all participating Hy-Vee supermarkets with in-store dining. More info.
IHOP, Nov. 11, 2015, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free Red, White and Blue pancakes, or Red, White and Blue pancakes combo plate including eggs, bacon and hashed browns. Participating locations only. Please call ahead to verify participation. More info. Locations.
Little Caesars Pizza , Nov. 11, 2015. 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. Locations.
Longhorn Steakhouse , Nov. 11, 2015. Complimentary Texas Tonion and non-alcoholic beverage. Offer good for Veterans and active-duty military members. Proof of service required. Visit their site to find a location near you.
Max & Erma’s , November 11, 2015. Participating Max & Erma’s locations are offering military members and veterans a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo, which includes tortilla soup or side Caesar salad, seasoned fries, and chocolate chip cookies. Dine-in only. Call ahead to verify participation. ID or proof of service required. More info. Locations.
McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – free lunch or dinner, Sunday Nov 8, 2015: McCormick & Schmick’s is celebrating their 17th annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event on Sunday, November 8th. Veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée from a special menu. Veterans must provide proof of military service. Be sure to contact your local McCormick & Schmick’s as this is valid at participating restaurants only. Also, space is limited and reservations are highly recommended. For more information visit: McCormick and Schmick’s Veterans Appreciation Event.
Menchie’s, Nov. 11, 2015. All veterans and current servicemembers will receive a free 6 oz. frozen yogurt on Veterans Day. Locations.
Misison BBQ, Nov. 11, 2015. Free sandwiches to active duty military members and veterans at participating locations. Locations.
MOD Pizza, Nov. 11, 2015. free pizza or salad to for active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. Dine-in only and at only at participating locations. Locations.
O’Charley’s, Nov. 9, 2015. Free entree from the $9.99’er menu for all active military and veterans with proof of service. Find a location near you.
The Olive Garden, Free entrée, Nov. 11, 2015. Offer good for veterans and active duty military; proof of service required. Guests that dine with a Veteran also receive 10% off of their bill as well! Locations.
On the Border, Nov. 11, 2015. 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.
Orange Leaf, Nov. 11, 2015. Free frozen yogurt (up to 11 0z.). Proof of service required. Locations.
Outback Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. 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, 2015. Locations.
PDQ Tenders, Nov. 11, 2015. PDQ Free 3 piece Tenders or Sandwich with a military ID or uniform. PDQ also offers 50% off the entire order for all active/retired military personnel on the first Monday every month. Locations.
Pinnacle Entertainment (Casino Chain), Nov. 11, 2015. Select locations are offering a free buffet meal for current military members and veterans. Some locations include Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk, Colorado, L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles, Louisiana, Cactus Petes Resort Casino, Jackpot, Nevada, and Retama Park, Selma, Texas. Please call ahead to verify times and participation. ID or proof of service required. More info and locations.
Ponderosa Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. Free Veterans Day buffet at participating locations only. More info. Locations.
Primanti Bros, Nov. 11, 2015.. Free Sandwich for veterans and active duty military. From 4pm to close at participating locations. More info. Locations.
Red Lobster – Monday, November 9 through Thursday, November 12, 2015. Free Appetizer or Dessert during the week of Veterans Day 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, 2015. Free Red’s Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries for all Red Robin guests with a military ID or proof of service. Locations.
Rock & Brews, Nov. 11, 2015. Complimentary pulled pork sandwich with a side choice of natural fries, house potato salad, pasta salad or coleslaw. Proof of military service required. More Info. Locations.
Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill, Nov. 11, 2015. Free garlic cheese bread or hummus with grilled herb flatbread for active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. Dine-in only and at only at participating locations. Locations.
Sheetz, Nov. 11, 2015. Free lunch at participating locations. Free car wash also available at participating locations, Proof of service required. Locations.
Shoney’s, Nov. 11, 2015. Free All-American Burger to veterans and active duty servicemembers. Dine-in only, Proof of Service required. Shoney’s also offers a 15% everyday hometown heroes discount (military, fire, Police, EMT). Locations.
Sizzler Restaurants, Nov. 11, 2015. 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.
Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal from special Veterans Day menu at participating locations only. Locations.
The Spaghetti Warehouse, Mon Nov. 9th through Wed Nov. 11th, 2015. 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.
Starbucks, Nov. 11, 2015. Free tall brewed coffee for active duty, veterans, and their spouses. Participating stores only. Please call ahead.
Tap House Grill, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal for service members and veterans with proof of service. Dine-in only. Locations.
Texas Roadhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. Free lunch event to honor the men and women of our armed forces. Choose from one of 10 free meals, plus sides and a soft drink, coffee, or tea. Offer good for All veterans – including all active, retired or former U.S. military. ID Required. Dine-in only. Call ahead to verify times and locations. Find locations.
T.G.I.-Fridays, Nov. 11, 2015. Free lunch for all current military members and veterans from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 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. Locations.
Tijuana Flats, Nov. 11, 2015. Free lunch at participating locations. Locations.
Tony Roma’s , Nov. 11, 2015. Free half rack Baby Back Ribs at select Florida locations. For current and former military members with valid proof of service. Valid at select locations only. Please call ahead to verify participation. Locations.
Tubby’s Sub Shops, Nov. 11, 2015. Free small Grilled Steak N’ Cheese or Tubby’s Famous Sub at participating Tubby’s locations. Take out only. Locations.
Twin Peaks Restaurants, Nov. 11, 2015. Free menu item at participating locations. Please call ahead to verify participation. Locations.
UNO’s pizza Chicago Grill, Nov. 11, 2015. Free individual pizza or entrée with the purchase of a pizza or entrée of equal or greater value. Available for all active duty and veterans. No coupon necessary; proof of service required. Don’t forget to tell the staff you are there that day to support Wounded
Warrior Project, and a portion of your party’s check will go to benefit the Wounded
Warrior Project, an awesome military charity. Find a location near you.
Village Inn, Nov. 11, 2015. Free breakfast any time of day (choice of buttermilk pancakes, French toast, or a Belgian waffle). Wednesday is also Free Pie day, and veterans will be able to receive a free slice of pie. Veterans who visit on Veterans Day will also receive a “Thank You for Your Service Card” valid for 20% off their total bill on their next visit. Participating locations only. Please call ahead. Locations.
Wienerschnitzel, Nov. 11, 2015. Free hot dog and small soft drink at participating locations. Locations.
54th Street Grill, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal, up to $12 value, valid for current and former service members. Proof of service required. Locations.
