Free Stuff for Veterans

It's a good day to be a current or former member of the military with many restaurants and shops around the country offering free meals, discounts and complimentary items to service men and women, retirees and vets in honor of Veterans Day. Most require some kind of proof of service, such as military or retiree ID card, DD Form 214, VFW Card, or other proof of service. (If you don't know what any of those are, chances are you don't qualify!)

Here's just a sampling of the deals available around the country on and/or near Nov. 11:

Applebee’s Free Meal on Veterans Day

Show proof of military service, including wearing your uniform, showing your military ID, military service organization ID (VFW card, etc), or a photo of yourself in uniform and get a free meal from a special menu. For more information, visit the Applebee’s Veterans Day page.

Outback Steakhouse

All veterans and active duty military personnel get a free bloomin' onion and a beverage, with proof of service under the chain's "Feeding Freedom" program. For more information, check out Outback's Web site.

Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que

All veterans get a free entree from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, check out Famous Dave's Web site.

Golden Corral (Monday, Nov. 16)

This year is the 9th annual Military Appreciation Monday dinner. It's scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16, from 5 to 9 p.m. in all Golden Corral restaurants nationwide.

Krispy Kreme 

All veterans and active duty military personnel are invited to choose a free doughnut from more than a dozen varieties with proof of service at participating locations. Check with your local Krispy Kreme.

Lowe’s and Home Depot

The big box home improvement stores are offering military members and veterans a 10 percent discount on Nov. 11. Bring your military ID.

Sports Authority

Active and retired military service members are eligible for a 15 percent discount on most items, excluding firearms, ammo, electronics, some fitness equipment and team championship apparel.

National Parks

The National Park Service waives admission fees to National Parks for everyone on Veterans Day.

Check for local restaurants and businesses for more discounts.

Photo courtesy of stev.ie via Flickr.