Veterans Day 2019 Deals, Freebies & Discounts Guide

Veterans Day 2019: The Ultimate Guide to Deals, Freebies & Discounts

Each Veterans Day, businesses nationwide honor America’s servicemembers through special discounts, freebies, and exclusive promotions. From free meals at popular restaurants to major online retail savings, Veterans Day 2019 features a wide array of offers for veterans, active-duty military, reservists, and their families. Here, you’ll find an expertly curated guide to the top sitewide sales, in-store bargains, and memorable experiences available this November 11.

Retail & Shopping Discounts

Big-name retailers and specialty brands alike participate in Veterans Day with significant savings. Many allow veterans and active military to access their best annual discounts, sometimes with proof of service. Here’s a roundup of the standout offers for 2019:

• Amazon Prime: Reduced Prime membership for veterans, active-duty, National Guard, and reservists: $79 for a year instead of $119 when claimed before November 11.
  How to get it: Verify your military status at Amazon’s veterans promotion page.
• Kohl’s: Starting November 7 and running through Veterans Day, enjoy a 30% discount (double the regular 15% Military Monday deal) for in-store purchases by veterans, active duty, and their families. Proof of service required at checkout.
  Note: This enhanced discount is valid through November 11 for qualifying purchases.
• Target: In honor of Veterans Day, Target provides a 10% military discount on a qualifying purchase both in stores and online from November 3–11.
  Pro tip: Redeem online or in-store. Some exclusions apply.
• SpartanNash: On November 10 and 11, enjoy an 11% discount on all eligible products at over 135 stores across eight states.
• Publix: Save 10% on groceries in-store November 11. Applies to veterans, active military, and their families (excludes prescriptions, gift cards, alcohol, and select items).
• Sleep Number: Military and veteran families receive an extra $100 off select smart beds and adjustable bases using the provided promo code.
• Lowe’s & Home Depot: Enjoy a 10% military discount on eligible purchases, available year-round but highlighted for Veterans Day.
  Note: Enrollment sometimes required for verification.
• Tuft & Needle: Save $175 on Mint and Hybrid mattresses through November 11 for verified veterans.

Restaurant & Food Freebies

Many nationwide restaurant chains celebrate Veterans Day with complimentary meals, menu items, and refreshments. Here are the most notable:

• Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military can select a free meal from a special menu on Veterans Day. Proof of service required.
• Bob Evans: Free select menu items for veterans and active duty on November 11.
• Chili’s Grill & Bar: Complimentary meal from a set menu for all veterans and active duty personnel.
• Cracker Barrel: Free Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake or Crafted Coffee for veterans on November 11. Also, opportunities to support military charities via select purchases.
• Denny’s: Free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast (5 a.m. to noon November 11) for all active, non-active, or retired military, nationwide. Just show valid ID.
• Dunkin’ Donuts: Free donut, no purchase necessary, for veterans and active duty, November 11 only.
• Jet’s Pizza: 50% off any menu-priced pizza for veterans with military ID, pick-up orders only, November 11.
• Lucky Girl Brewing / B52 Winery: Free sandwich or flatbread pizza for veterans all Veterans Day weekend (November 9–11). Ongoing 10% discount for military, veterans, and first responders.
• Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert from a special Veterans Day menu for veterans, active duty, and reservists (show valid military ID).
• Red Robin: Free Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries for veterans and active-duty military, dine-in only on Veterans Day.
• Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch from a 10 entree menu (drink included) for all veterans and active military (11 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 11).
• Starbucks: Free Tall Brewed Coffee for veterans, active duty, reservists, and military spouses on November 11.
• 7-Eleven: Free coffee or Big Gulp for veterans, Veterans Day only, with app registration.
• Pilot Flying J: Free breakfast including coffee for all active-duty and retired military, November 8–11.

Grooming, Health & Fitness Specials

Businesses in the health, wellness, and grooming space offer service-oriented perks to honor our servicemembers every Veterans Day. Here are some key offers for 2019:

• Great Clips: Veterans and current military receive either a free haircut on November 11 or a free haircut card to be used later (redeemable until December 31). Non-military patrons can buy a service and receive a free haircut card to gift to a veteran.
• The Hair Room: Complimentary haircuts for veterans on Veterans Day.
• American Family Care: Free flu shots for all military veterans on November 11.
• Planet Fitness: All veterans and active military are invited to work out for free at any U.S. location November 8–15. Bring a guest at no additional cost and enjoy free HydroMassage and chair massages—simply present military ID.
• True Rest Float Spa: Free float session for veterans and active duty, November 11 and on the 11th of every month.

Travel, Hospitality & Experiences

Veterans Day is also a fantastic opportunity to enjoy discounted or free travel, lodging, and attractions. Both regional and national chains offer perks for explorers and families:

• World of Coca-Cola (Atlanta): Free admission year-round for active duty, reserves, and retirees. Special offer November 1–11: purchase up to four half-price general admission tickets for guests with a valid military ID at the ticket window.
• Red Roof Inn & Westgate Resort: Discounts of 10% for military members on qualifying stays.
• USDA Forest Service National Forests: Fees waived at most day-use recreation sites in the Huron-Manistee National Forests on November 11. Exception: Select fees managed by private concessionaires or special watercraft permits.

Automotive Discounts & Services

Keep your vehicle in top shape for less with these Veterans Day auto deals:

• Just Tires & Goodyear Auto Service: Free car care checks and tire installation for active and retired U.S. military (appointment by November 11, service through November 16). Services include tire inspection, brake check, alignment, battery, wipers, and shocks/struts.

How to Claim Veterans Day Discounts

To make the most of the day’s deals, keep these tips in mind:

• Bring Valid ID: Offers almost always require proof of service such as a military/veteran ID, discharge papers, or a driver’s license with a veteran designation.
• Know the Limits: Some deals apply only to in-store purchases or exclude certain items. Double-check the fine print before shopping.
• Gift It Forward: Many businesses, like Great Clips and Publix, let non-military customers claim a discount or freebie to give to a veteran.
• Act Fast: Some offers are valid only November 11; others extend an extra day or more. Early shopping and reservations are encouraged.

Featured Online & Sitewide Sales

Many leading brands use Veterans Day to unleash major sitewide promotions. Here’s a sampling and what to watch for:

• Amazon: In addition to the Prime membership discount, look for Veterans Day flash sales on electronics, outdoor gear, and home essentials.
• Kohl’s: Veterans Day blends into their early holiday sale season, delivering deep discounts across apparel, shoes, kitchenware, and tech gadgets. Use your military discount at checkout for maximum savings.
• Target: Many seasonal home items, electronics, and more are included in their online sale—stack savings with the military discount during checkout.

Tips for Maximizing Your Veterans Day Savings

• Prepare Ahead: Research deals by checking retailer websites or calling ahead. Some require pre-registration or promo codes.
• Combine Offers: Where allowed, stack Veterans Day discounts with loyalty program rewards or cashback offers for even greater value.
• Bring Friends or Family: Restaurants and fitness centers often include family or plus-ones in their specials—read the policies to see if your loved ones can benefit, too.
• Try Something New: Use the holiday as a chance to visit a novel experience or shop from a new brand offering a military-exclusive benefit.

Quick Reference: Popular Veterans Day Deals by Category

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What proof is required to access Veterans Day deals?

Most offers require a valid military or veteran ID, discharge papers, or a driver’s license with veteran designation. Some merchants accept digital verification or online signup for eligibility.

Can family members of veterans use these discounts?

Many retailers like Kohl’s, Target, and Publix extend discounts to immediate family members shopping with the eligible veteran or service member. Specific requirements may vary—always check with the provider before redeeming.

Are these deals available online as well as in-store?

Several retailers (including Amazon, Target, and Kohl’s) make their military discounts available online, but many restaurants and smaller brands only honor them in-store. Carefully review offer terms for each brand.

Is preregistration or a coupon code needed?

Some offers require online registration, a digital coupon, or a promo code. For example, Amazon’s reduced Prime rate must be activated online after military status verification. Always check the fine print before shopping or dining out.

Can I combine Veterans Day offers with other promotions?

Policies differ by retailer and restaurant, but many allow you to stack military discounts with existing sales, loyalty points, or rewards for extra savings. Confirm at checkout or with store personnel.

Are there year-round military benefits?

Absolutely. Major retailers (Lowe’s, Home Depot, Kohl’s) and travel providers offer military and veteran discounts year-round. Veterans Day typically brings the largest and most publicized deals, but don’t forget to ask about ongoing programs whenever you shop or dine.

Honoring Service Beyond the Holiday

Veterans Day 2019 showcases America’s appreciation for those who serve and protect. By utilizing these deals and discounts, military members, veterans, and their families can enjoy well-deserved perks while businesses nationwide give thanks in meaningful, practical ways. Plan ahead, check eligibility, and celebrate this Veterans Day with a little extra savings—and a lot of gratitude—wherever you shop, dine, or explore.