2012 Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts

November 11, 2012 is Veterans Day.  To celebrate many companies offer discounts to veterans as well as active duty military. Here are just a few of the Veterans Day discounts for 2012.

*Note: since Veterans Day falls on Sunday this year, some of the discounts will be available on Monday, November 12, 2012 instead.  Valid dates will be marked below.

Stores and restaurants are often crowded on Veterans Day because of the freebies and discounts. Consider this when planning your dinner or lunch out. Also, remember to call your local store to confirm the discount.

Veterans Day Restaurant Discounts

7-Eleven – Offers will be offering veterans and service members a free small slurpee on November 11, 2012.

Applebee’s – Free signature entree on Sunday, November 11th, 2012 at participating locations. Valid for active and retired military with proof of service.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse – BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse will offer veterans and service members a free lunch entree or a one-topping mini or individual pizza on November 11, 2012.

California Pizza Kitchen – Free meal (any pizza with a beverage) for all veterans and active military on November 11 and 12, 2012.  Come in uniform or bring your military ID or other proof of service.

Chili’s – Free special limited item menu for veterans and active duty from 11 am – 5 pm (some locations will honor this offer all day) on November 11, 2012.  All desserts will be priced at $5 for military as well.

Denny’s – Get all you can eat pancakes for all active duty military, non-active, and veterans with a valid ID on November 12, 2012 from 6 am – 2 pm.

Famous Dave’s – Free meals or percent off deals based on your state on November 11, 2012.

Golden Corral – Free meal to any veteran who has served in the  military or is a current active duty service member at all locations on November 12, 2012 from 4 pm – 9 pm local time. No identification is required.

Hooters – 10 free boneless wings with drink purchase to military veterans and active duty military personnel all day on November 11, 2012 with valid military ID or proof of military service.

Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut and small coffee for all active-duty, retirees and veterans on November 11, 2012.

Little Caesars Pizza – Free Crazy Bread for veterans and active military members on November 12, 2012 with proof of military status or proof of service.

Olive Garden – Free meal (with proof of service) from a list of several entrees on a special menu on November 11, 2012. Additionally, some Olive Garden restaurants will also give out a $10 gift card to veterans for a future visit.

Outback Steakhouse – Free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola beverage from November 11-12, 2012 in celebration of Veterans Day. The celebration continues with the Military Mates 10% Off Discount from November 13-December 31, 2012. These offers are open to all active and retired military with a valid ID.

Sizzler Steak House – Free lunch from a limited menu (6 oz. Steak, Malibu Chicken, or a Half Dozen Fried Shrimp) for Veterans and service members on November 12, 2012 until 4 pm.   Proof of military service required.

Subway – Subway is donating $111,112 to the Wounded Warrior Project which raises the awareness for the needs of injured service members.  You are invited to join this great cause as well.  Some local branches might be offering a FREE six inch sub or flatbread similar to last year’s program to military veterans on November 11, 2012, so call your local Subway for details.

Spaghetti Warehouse – BOGO entree coupon valid November 12, 2012.  Print the coupon beginning November 5, 2012 here.

Texas Roadhouse – Free lunch for all military (active and retired) on November 12, 2012 at all locations nationwide.  Choice from 10 different meals including sides and a drink.

T.G.I. Friday’s –Eat free for all Veterans and Active Duty personnel on November 12, 2012.  Proof of service required.

Retailer’s Offerings:

Bed and Breakfasts – One free night’s stay for active military, retired military and vets AND a guest on Monday, November 12th.  Participating inns and more information can be found here.

Cabela’s Outdoor Store – Receive the employee discount ranging from 5% to 50% depending on item for all veterans, active duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel on November 11-12, 2012.  Check in at a designated table in the store to receive a coupon for the discount.  Some items may be excluded.

Car Wash – Get a free car wash sponsored by Grace for Vets at participating locations.

CVS – CVS/pharmacy will hold a USO donation campaign as part of its flu shot program during the week of Veterans Day.

Old Navy – Old Navy is proud to partner with the USO by collecting donations at all Old Navy stores in the U.S. between 11/8-11/12.

Sleep Number Stores – Offering a couple of discounts available only to military and veterans through November 18, 2012.  Among these are $600 off on all I8 or M7 beds, 30% off all bedding items, and 0% interest on 24 months financing.  Contact your local store for more details.

Sonic Car Wash – Free car wash to Veterans on November 11, 2012.

SportsClips – Free haircut to active-duty military & veterans. Offer only available at select locations on November 12, 2012.

Free Admission:

Colonial Williamsburg – Receive free admission November 9-12, 2012 for all active duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, and their dependents.

Colorado State Parks – Free admission at each of Colorado’s 42 state parks on Veterans Day, November 11, 2012.  To obtain free admission to a state park, veterans, active duty military personnel and their families must show proper identification.  All other passengers in the vehicle will be admitted for free. This offer applies only to free entrance; other fees, rules and regulations will apply.

Historic Jamestowne – Free admission for Veterans Day weekend, November 10-12, 2012.

Knott’s Berry Farm – Knott’s annual tribute to our Military, past and present, starts November 1st. FREE admission for Veterans or current serving military personnel and one guest with proper I.D. presented at turnstile. Plus purchase up to six additional tickets for just $19 each from November 1-21 and for $25 each November 22 through January 6. Military personnel may also purchase additional tickets at their local MWR ticket office.

National Parks – Everybody gets free entrance to our National Parks Veterans Day weekend, November 10 – 12, 2012. Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees.

Pro Football Hall of Fame – Free admission to the Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 9 am – 5 pm for veterans, active duty, and reserve members of the U.S. armed forces and one guest, plus you’ll receive a 10% discount in the Hall of Fame Store. Additionally, members of Gold Star Families and Blue Star Mothers will be admitted at no charge. All Hall of Fame visitors will receive a Pro Football Hall of Fame/American flag commemorative pin created in honor of our nation’s heroes.

Sciencenter – Free admission for veterans, active duty military personnel and their families on November 11, 2012 12 – 5 pm and November 12, 10 am – 5 pm. Valid military ID required.

Shenandoah Caverns – Free admission to the Parade Float “Hall of Fame” for all Active Duty and Retired Military with ID on November 11, 2012.  Family members with Military ID will receive group-rate discounts for admission to our family of attractions

USACE Day-Use Recreation Areas – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will waive day-use fees for veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families at the more than 2,400 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide on Veterans Day, November 11, 2012.  This waiver covers fees for boat launch ramps and swimming beaches. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities such as group picnic shelters.

Year-Round Veterans Discounts:

Chevy’s Fresh Mex – 20% off for all uniform wearing military, (or valid military ID), police or fire personnel at all corporate owned Chevy’s.

Dell – Member Purchase Program for Service Members.  Get great offers on best selling PCs that supports the military lifestyle.

Home Depot — Offers a 10 percent discount (up to a $500 maximum) to all active military, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members with a valid military ID. All other veterans qualify for a 10 percent discount during Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day. Learn more about the Home Depot Military Discount program.

Lowe’s — Lowe’s offers a year-round 10 percent discount offer for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees and disabled Service members and their immediate families. All other veterans receive the 10-percent discount on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The discount is available on in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000. The offer can’t be used on sales at Lowes.com, on previous sales or on sales of services or gift cards. You must present a valid military I.D. card to receive the discount.

SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, Water Country USA or Adventure Island – One free day admission pass each year for any active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman.  Restrictions apply.

SportsClips – 20% discount on all services and products to Military and Veterans everyday.

T.G.I. Friday’s – Offers a 10% Discount for all Service men and women with proof of service all day every day.

Universal Studios Hollywood – Huge discount options to all members of our Armed Forces all year long! Eligible members include retirees, DOD personnel, members of the National Guard/Reserves, dependents and all other base personnel. Tickets for these specially priced offers must be purchased in advance and can only be obtained at participating MWR/ITT offices throughout the United States. These special military rates are not available at the Universal Studios Hollywood box office. A military or U.S. Government I.D. is required for purchase.

For more discounts, printable coupons, and information on how you can support the USO visit the USO Veterans Day page.