While the federal holiday of Veterans Day Monday, Nov. 11 means many state and government businesses and offices will be closed, multiple retailers are offering Veterans along with active service members and their families discounts, deals and freebies as a way of honoring those who served our country.
Most in-person discounts will require proof of service, such a military ID or veteran organization membership card. Online discounts may require registration with ID.me to verify service.
Here’s a roundup of freebies and deals running for Veterans Day in the Chicago area:
Applebee’s
Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free entrée from a special menu Monday at Applebee’s.
AutoNation
All active U.S. Military personnel, U.S. Military Veterans and their spouses will receive a 20% discount on all in-store services as participating AutoNation locations.
BIBIBOP Asian Grill
Free bowl with military ID.
Buffalo Wild Wings
All past and present service members with valid ID can get 10 free boneless wings and fries.
Chili’s
Chili’s will offer service members a free meal for in-restaurant dining. Options will include soup and salad, boneless wings and more.
Dunkin’
Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free donut Monday at participating Dunkin’ locations.
IHOP
The pancake house will thank veterans and active-duty military members with a free stack from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.
Kohl’s
All Veterans and active-duty military will receive 30% off their in-store purchase.
Starbucks
Free tall brewed coffee for Veterans, military service members and military spouses
The federal holiday of Veterans Day, falls on Monday, Nov. 11 for 2024. The day, which honors living veterans who served in the military, dates back to 1919.
The holiday grew out of the commemoration of Armistice Day, the Department of Veterans Affairs says, when fighting between the Allied countries and Germany ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was to have been the end of “the war to end all wars,” and always falls on Nov. 11, no matter what day of the week that date falls.
President Woodrow Wilson inaugurated the first celebration in 1919, with parades and a brief break in business starting at 11 a.m.
