Yesterday in the comments section one of our readers stated, “Nice would be heartwarming articles. BUT violence sells. I understand that.” My wife has said the same thing before and I have, believe it or not, searched for such topics before. Largely without success. The fact is, in today’s world such “feel good” stories were getting harder and harder to find, and I’m a monster, so I eventually gave up looking. I mean you can find them, but they’re usually the liberal idea of “heartwarming.” Like ’12-Year-Old Drag Queen is inspiring!’ Yeah, not so much in our world.
After reading the comment yesterday I did another search. Nothing. At least nothing that wasn’t a couple weeks old or more. So I tried again today and found this one.
Veteran’s Day is right around the corner and here’s a list of free or discounted stuff you can get on or about that date:
Via NYup.com
Veterans Day free meals, coffee, deals: Starbucks, Subway, Target, 50 more
Veterans Day 2019 comes with a cartload of freebies and deals for Veterans, including free food, appetizers, desserts, coffee and even whole meals at some of the country’s biggest restaurant chains.
The deals don’t all wait until Monday, November 11. Some of them go all weekend, all week and even all throughout the month of November.
As always, most business require a valid military ID or proof of honorable discharge in order to cash in on these offers. If you’re planning to dine in at a restaurant, make sure to call ahead and make a reservation, and in all instances, make sure you call ahead and check that the location that you’re planning to visit is participating in the offer noted.
FREE FOOD
Applebees: Dine at Applebees on November 11 for free meal from a limited menu. Military ID required.
BJ’s: All service members enjoy a complimentary entree up to $14.95, plus a free Dr Pepper, with proof of service.
Bob Evans: Free entrees for veterans and active military on November 11.
California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans get complimentary pizza, pasta or a full size salad and beverage from California Pizza Kitchen’s Veterans Day menu.
Carlo’s Bake Shop: Get a free cannoli with your active military ID on Veterans Day.
Chili’s Grill & Bar: Veterans and active duty military personnel can choose a complimentary meal from a select menu on Veterans Day.
Country Kitchen: Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free Country Scramble on Veterans Day.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Veterans can get a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake or a complimentary Pumpkin Pie Latte at all 660 Cracker Barrel locations nationwide on November 11.
The Culinary Institute of America: In appreciation of their service, veterans are invited to the CIA in Hyde Park (Dutchess County) on Tuesday, November 12 (they are closed on the 11th) to enjoy a complimentary lunch or dinner at American Bounty, The Bocuse Restaurant, The Tavern at American Bounty, Apple Pie Bakery Café, or The Egg (up to $15 or 15 meal points). Alcohol is not included, and be sure to make a reservations for American Bounty and The Bocuse Restaurant.
Golden Corral: Veterans get a free sit-in “thank you” dinner on Veterans day.
Hooters: Veterans and active military get a free entree from a special menu with purchase of a beverage on Veterans Day.
Houlihan’s: Receive a free entree from a select menu on November 11 with proof of veteran status or active service in the military.
IHOP: Get free pancakes with your military ID on Veterans Day.
Little Caesars: Get a free $5 HOT-N-READY lunch combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Veterans Day.
Longhorn Steakhouse: Get a free appetizer or dessert and 10% off your bill with a military ID on November 11.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: Get the first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt for free with a valid military ID.
Olive Garden: Veterans get a free entree from a special menu on November 11.
Red Lobster: Veterans get a free appetizer or dessert on November 11.
Red Robin: All Veterans and Active Duty Military get a free dine-in Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Veterans Day 11/11.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill: Free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti entree at all U.S. locations (dine-in only) on Veterans Day with a military ID or proof of service.
Sizzler: Get a free 6 oz. Tri Tip Steak, Malibu Chicken or a half-dozen Jumbo Crispy Shrimp and a free side and a coffee, tea or fountain drink with military ID on Veterans Day.
Smoothie King: Free 20 oz. smoothie of choice with proof of military ID.
Subway: Vets and active military get a free six-inch sub on November 11 at select locations.
Texas Roadhouse: From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Veterans Day, all veterans and active duty military can choose a complimentary entree from a list of 10.
T.G.I. Friday’s: Get a free lunch up to $12 at participating locations on Veterans Day with a military ID.
Yard House: Get a free appetizer on November 11 when you dine in with valid military ID.
Cumberland Farms: Veterans, active-duty, reserve, National Guard or honorably discharged military personnel can stop by their local Cumberland Farms to get a FREE signature Farmhouse Blend of Bold, hot or iced coffee – in any size.
Peet’s Coffee: Veterans get a free coffee or tea of any size at Coffee Bar locations on Veterans Day.
Starbucks: Veterans get a free tall coffee on November 11.
FREE HAIRCUTS
Great Clips: Veterans and family members can get a free haircut card on November 11 that can be used at a later date.
Sport Clips: Participating locations will offer veterans free haircuts on November 11.
DEALS AND SPECIALS
BJ’s Wholesale: Veterans take 30% off membership fees on November 11.
Bonefish Grill: Anyone with a valid military ID gets a free appetizer with the purchase of any entree on Veterans Day.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Veterans get a free calamari appetizer with any purchase on Veterans Day.
Dollar General: Veterans and families receive an 11 % discount on qualifying items in store and online.
Fogo de Chão: Veterans and active duty military take 50% off their entire meal on Veterans Day.
The Home Depot: Veterans get 10% off in-store purchases on select items on Veterans Day weekend.
Outback Steakhouse: 20% off the entire check for all servicemen and women, police officers, firefighters and first responders from November 8 to November 11. Starting November 12, the chain will institute 10 percent Heroes Discount for the same group as an ongoing offer.
SmartStyle Hair Salon: 10% discount off any services and professional products on November 11 with valid miltary ID.
Target: A 10% Veterans Day military discount is available at Target stores and Target.com from Nov. 3-11 for all military personnel, veterans and their families. More info, get verified
TOPS Markets: 11% discount off of a total order to all veterans and active military personnel who shop at any location.
OTHER FREEBIES
9/11 Memorial & Museum, New York City: Veterans get free admission to the museum from Nov. 8 to Nov. 14, and half-price admission for up to two family members.
Albany Institute of History & Art: Free admission to all active and retired military personnel with ID on Veterans Day.
Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park: Free admission for all active-duty, reserve, veteran, and retired members of the United States Armed Forces between on 11/9 and 11/10.
Corning Museum of Glass: Veterans get free admission throughout the month of November. Free glassworking experience for veterans on November 9-10.
Free Fishing Days: Anyone can fish the fresh or marine waters of New York State and no license is required on Veterans Day.
National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown: Vets get free admission between 11/6 and 11/30.
New Moon Cafe, East Quoge: On Sunday, Nov. 10, veterans can attend a free family barbecue from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Pinz Milford, New Hartford: Veterans can bowl free and get free shoe rentals on November 11.
Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Parkway, Lake George: Veterans can drive the parkway for free all weekend from November 9 to 11.
Seneca Buffalo Creek, Buffalo: Veterans get a free $10 slot play at the casino from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and a $15 dining discount from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 11.
Seneca Niagara Casino, Buffalo: Veterans have access to a free buffet, and get a $10 slot play from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Spartan Race: All active duty military, law enforcement, first responders, veterans and retirees can register for Spartan Race events across the country for free.
SPCA of Erie County: The SPCA will waive adoption fees for veterans and active military on Veterans Day.
Syracuse Crunch: Veterans can get complimentary tickets for the November 8 home game. Family members of active military and veterans who would like to attend the game should complete an online form, contact the Crunch at 315-473-4444 or visit the office to reserve complimentary tickets courtesy of generous donations from Crunch fans, local businesses and Falso Service Experts.
So feel good about all that stuff. Really, it’s not exactly “free.” It was earned.
