More than just a day off: why we honor our veterans (and where they can find gratitude today)

Every November 11, we pause. Schools close, banks shut their doors, and mail doesn't run. But Veterans Day is so much more than a day off work. It's a moment when our entire nation stops to say two simple but powerful words: "Thank you."

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Veterans Day started as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.. It was the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, President Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day, expanding it to honor all American veterans, not just those who served in World War I.

Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, Veterans Day celebrates every person who has worn our nation's uniform. It's for the 19-year-old just finishing basic training and the 90-year-old who stormed the beaches of Normandy. It's for those who served in combat and those who served in peacetime. It's for everyone who raised their right hand and took an oath to defend our country.

Why this matters

The men and women who serve in our military make sacrifices most of us will never fully understand. They spend months or years away from their families. They miss birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. They put their lives on hold- and sometimes at risk- so the rest of us can sleep soundly at night.

When they come home, many face challenges reintegrating into civilian life. Some carry visible and invisible wounds. All of them carry the weight of their service. Veterans Day is our chance to acknowledge that weight and let them know we see them, we appreciate them, and we haven't forgotten.

It's also a day to educate younger generations about the meaning of service. In a time when fewer Americans have direct connections to the military, Veterans Day helps bridge that gap and keeps the conversation about service alive.

Gratitude in action: Where veterans can find appreciation today

While our thanks should never be limited to one day a year, communities across the country are showing their appreciation for veterans through free meals and special discounts today.

Restaurants of all sizes are opening their doors to honor those who served. Whether you're a veteran looking for a place to grab lunch or someone wanting to treat a veteran in your life, here's where you can find genuine appreciation served up alongside great food.

Free meals for veterans

Dozens of restaurants are offering completely free meals to veterans and active-duty military members today. Some highlights include:

Classic American Fare:

• Applebee's, Chili's, and IHOP are serving free meals from special Veterans Day menus
• Red Robin is offering their Big Tavern Burger with bottomless sides
• Denny's has free Original Grand Slams from 5 a.m. to noon
• Texas Roadhouse is providing meals for dine-in or giving out vouchers valid through May 2025

BBQ and Comfort Food:

• Mission BBQ, Dickey's, and Famous Dave's are dishing out free sandwiches
• Golden Corral hosts their annual Military Appreciation Night from 4 p.m. to close
• Bob Evans and Cracker Barrel are serving free breakfast options

Pizza and Italian:

• Olive Garden has complimentary entrées from a special menu
• California Pizza Kitchen is offering free meals plus a BOGO offer for a future visit
• Little Caesars is serving free lunch combos from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fast Casual Options:

• Chipotle (through their Heroes Code promotion)
• Qdoba, Moe's Southwest Grill, and other quick-service favorites
• Starbucks is offering free tall brewed coffee to veterans and military spouses

Steakhouses:

• Outback Steakhouse (free Bloomin' Onion and beverage with entrée purchase)
• Logan's Roadhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse have special Veterans Day offerings
• Perry's Steakhouse is serving their signature pork chop

What You Need to Know

Before heading out, keep a few things in mind:

Bring your ID: Nearly every offer requires proof of military service. This can be a military ID, VA card, DD214, or sometimes simply wearing your uniform.

Check participation: Not all franchise locations participate in chain-wide promotions. It's worth calling ahead to confirm your local restaurant is taking part.

Timing matters: Many offers are only available during specific hours, typically lunch service (11 a.m. to 2 or 4 p.m.). Some extend all day.

Dine-in often required: While some restaurants offer their Veterans Day specials for takeout, many are dine-in only.

Paying it forward

If you're a civilian reading this, consider these ways to honor veterans today:

• Buy a veteran's meal if you see them at a restaurant
• Thank a veteran when you encounter them, but keep it simple and sincere
• Attend a local Veterans Day ceremony or parade
• Support veteran-owned businesses year-round
• Volunteer with organizations that serve veterans
• Most importantly, remember their service not just today, but every day

At the end of the day, free meals and discounts are wonderful gestures, but they're not why veterans served. They didn't sign up for the perks or the recognition. They did it out of a sense of duty, patriotism, and a desire to protect something bigger than themselves.

So today, if you're a veteran, please accept our nation's gratitude- and maybe a free meal or two. You've earned it. And if you're not a veteran, take a moment to recognize the men and women around you who answered the call to serve.

They didn't do it for the thanks, but they deserve it anyway.

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