Veterans Day, observed on 11 November, is a significant occasion in the United States to honour military service members. While the day itself is not a public holiday in the United Kingdom, many UK-based consumers, particularly those with connections to the US military or who are deal seekers, look for information on available promotions and freebies. The provided source material details a range of Veterans Day offers available in the United States for 2023, focusing on free meals, car washes, admission to attractions, and retail discounts. This article outlines these offers as reported for 2023, providing a factual summary for UK consumers interested in understanding the types of promotions that typically become available on this date.
Overview of Veterans Day Offers
The available information indicates that numerous businesses and organisations in the United States honour veterans and active military personnel with free products and services on Veterans Day. These offers generally require proof of military service, such as a valid military ID, and are often available only on 11 November 2023. The promotions span various categories, including food and beverage, automotive services, entertainment, and retail.
It is important to note that all listed offers are specific to the United States. The source material does not contain information about similar programmes being run by UK-based brands or retailers. UK consumers should not assume these offers are available domestically unless explicitly stated by a UK entity.
Free Meals and Dining Offers
A significant portion of Veterans Day freebies consists of complimentary meals at restaurants across the United States. These offers typically require veterans or active-duty military personnel to present a valid military ID and may be available at participating locations only.
- Applebee’s: Military veterans and active-duty service members were able to eat free from a special Veterans Day menu at participating Applebee’s locations across the U.S. on 11 November 2023 with ID. Additionally, the offer included $5 bounce back cards for future use.
- Baker’s Square: This restaurant offered a complimentary “2-2-2” breakfast to veterans who presented a military ID on Veterans Day.
- Bandana’s Bar-B-Q: On Veterans Day, veterans and active military personnel received a free Budget Buster Meal.
- Bar Louie: Participating locations offered a free craft burger for active duty or military veterans with proof of service.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: On 11 November 2023, BJ’s invited veterans with a valid military ID to dine in and enjoy a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie® with any £9.95+ purchase. Veterans who spent more than £14.95 for dine-in or takeout also received a bounce back coupon for a free appetizer to redeem between 12 November and 31 December 2023.
- Black Angus Steakhouse: In honour of Veterans Day, Black Angus Steakhouse invited all current and past members of the military to enjoy a free meal at all locations from 12pm-3pm on 11 November with proof of military service. The meal consisted of a 6 oz Top Sirloin Steak, Mashed Potatoes, and Steamed Broccoli.
- 110 Grill: All locations offered a complimentary lunch from a special menu for Veterans and active duty military from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. No purchase was required.
- 54th Street Bar and Grill: This establishment offered Veterans and active service members £10 off any entrée. Patrons were required to mention the discount code “Veterans Day” and present proof of service. The offer was dine-in only and could not be combined with other offers.
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: This restaurant honoured all active and retired military personnel by offering a free All American Burger with a small side of fries, chips, or tots from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on 11 November.
Free Admission to Attractions and Parks
Several attractions and parks offered free admission to veterans on Veterans Day 2023.
- National Parks: Over 100 national parks in the United States waived admission fees on 11 November 2023 in honour of Veterans Day. This offer was available to everyone, not just veterans.
- Aquarium of the Pacific: Located in Long Beach, California, the aquarium offered free admission to veterans and military personnel on Veterans Day only (11 November 2023) from 9 AM to 6 PM. The offer was first-come, first-served.
- World of Coca-Cola: In Atlanta, members of the Armed Forces (active duty, reserves, and veterans) received free admission all year when showing a valid military ID. For Veterans Day 2023 specifically, military members could purchase up to four general admissions tickets for 50% off for friends and family from 3 November to 12 November using the promo code VETS2023 online. Valid military ID was requested upon entrance.
- Mount Vernon: On 11 November 2023, all active duty, former, and retired military personnel received free entrance to Mount Vernon from 9 AM through 4 PM. Family members and guests paid the regular price, though children aged 5 and under were free.
Free Car Washes and Automotive Services
A notable automotive offer was the Grace for Vets programme, which has operated since 2003. In 2023, this non-profit organization gathered hundreds of car washes across the country to offer veterans and service personnel a free car wash on 11 November. Some participating locations might honour military members on a different day, such as 25 April.
Additionally, Delta Sonic provided a free Super Kiss car wash to all veterans and military members on Veterans Day. This offer also included freebies such as coffee, Sonic Sipper fountain drinks, pizza slices, and Little Tree air fresheners at select locations.
Retail Discounts
Several major retailers offered discounts to veterans and military members around Veterans Day 2023.
- Target: Veterans and military members received 10% off their Target order (online and in-store) in early November. Registration for this discount was required.
- Dollar General: From 9 to 12 November, veterans and active duty military received 20% off qualifying in-store purchases.
- Walgreens: With myWalgreens membership and proof of service, military members, veterans, and their families received a 20% in-store discount at Walgreens or Duane Reade stores from 10 November through 13 November. Exclusions included alcohol, dairy, tobacco, and stamps.
- Publix: Publix offered 10% off items purchased on Veterans Day for active and retired military and their family members. Proper ID was required, and some exclusions applied.
Important Considerations for UK Consumers
The source material consistently emphasises that offers are subject to change and may not be available in all locations. Verification with the organisation offering the promotion is always recommended. Furthermore, the information provided is based on 2023 data. The structure and availability of such promotions can change annually.
For UK consumers, the key takeaway is that these Veterans Day offers are specific to the United States. There is no indication in the provided sources of similar large-scale, coordinated freebie programmes run by UK brands on 11 November. UK-based consumers interested in free samples and promotional offers should focus on UK-specific channels, such as brand websites, sample request pages, and UK deal sites.
Conclusion
The provided source material details a wide array of Veterans Day freebies and discounts available in the United States for 2023. These include complimentary meals at numerous restaurants, free admission to attractions like national parks and museums, free car washes, and retail discounts at major stores. All offers required proof of military service and were typically valid only on 11 November 2023 at participating locations. The information serves as a factual summary of the types of promotions that were available in the US market for this specific occasion. UK consumers seeking similar offers should seek out UK-based promotional programmes, as the Veterans Day deals listed are not applicable in the United Kingdom.