Tweet32 Veterans Day Freebies for 2013



Reniah Krause, 2, clings to her father Sgt. Joseph Krause after he and fellow soldiers arrived from Afghanistan on June 15, 2011 to Fort Carson, Colorado. (Getty Images)
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, there are about 23 million veterans in our country. And the Bureau of Labor Statistics says another 2.3 million are currently serving in the military in one capacity or another.
Chances are you know someone who is a veteran or currently serving in the military, so you may want to share this news with them—on Monday, November 11, Veterans Day, there will be plenty of businesses wanting to thank them for their service with Veterans Day freebies.
We’ve put together an alphabetical list of 32 Veterans Day freebies for 2013, including where veterans and current members of the military can go to get a free meal, free admission, a free night’s stay at a hotel, and other freebies that are a simple way of saying, “Thank you for your service.”
Note: Most freebies are available on Monday, November 11. For those available on any other day, I have included that date to avoid confusion. Be prepared to show military ID in order to cash in these Veterans Day freebies.

1. Applebee’s: Free meal from the Thank You Meal Menu.
2. Bar Louie: Get a free meal worth up to $12 November 10-11.
3. Better Way to Stay: This organization of bed and breakfast inns can help you find a free stay November 10-11.
4. California Pizza Kitchen: Free pizza; dine-in only.
5. Carrabba’s: Free appetizer when you visit November 9-11.
6. Champps Americana: Free burger and waffle fries.
7. Cheeseburger in Paradise: Purchase a beverage for $1.99, and get a free burger and fries.
8. Chili’s: Free entree from a special menu.
9. Denny’s: Enjoy all the pancakes you want, on the house, from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m.
10. Einstein Bros. Bagels/Noah’s New York Bagels: Free bagel and a schmear of cream cheese (or another topping) from 5:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
11. Friendly’s: Free breakfast and coffee, in East Coast restaurant locations only.
12. Golden Corral: Free dinner from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.
13. Grace for Vets: Use this site to find a free car wash.
14. Great Clips: Free haircut.
15. Hooter’s: Get a free meal, worth up to $10.99, with any drink purchase.
16. Krispy Kreme: Free doughnut and small coffee at participating locations.
17. Little Caesar’s: Free crazy bread.
18. Longhorn Steakhouse: Free Texas “Tonion” appetizer and beverage (non-alcoholic only) November 11-14.
19. Max & Erma’s: Free cheeseburger combo meal.
20. McCormick and Schmick’s: Reserve your free dinner available on Sunday, November 10 only.
21. National Parks Service: Free admission to all National Parks for everyone, November 9-11, in honor of Veterans Day.
22. O’Charley’s: Free meal from the $9.99er menu.
23. Olive Garden: Free meal from the Veterans Day menu. Any family members dining with you get 10 percent off their bill as part of Military Family Appreciation Month.
24. On the Border: Free “Make Your Own Combo Meal” dinner item.
25. Outback Steakhouse: Free bloomin’ onion and beverage.
26. Red Robin: Free burger and fries.
27. Red Lobster: Free appetizer November 11-14.
28. Shoney’s: Free burger.
29. Sizzler: Free lunch.
30. Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch.
31. TGIFridays: Free lunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
32. Tim Horton’s: Free doughnut.

Clearly, a single veteran or member of the military won’t be able to eat at all of these restaurants or take advantage of every single freebie listed here. But hopefully the men and women who serve or have served our country can enjoy these on-the-house deals in one way or another

TweetWhen i see a soldier out in their blues or in their b.d.u.'s their money is no good. I don't care if I'm at a gas station or Longhorn Storehouse. I'm buying. Civilians just don't know what combat soldiers have to go through mentally and physically just to keep a handle on things. And if i see any combat wreaths around any subdued brass well it's game on to talk war stories that only we understand. If we share with you our experience.