As the nation prepares to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, many businesses and organizations are showing their appreciation by offering freebies and discounts to veterans on Veterans Day. This federal holiday, which is observed on November 11th, is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have defended the country and to express gratitude for their service. In this article, we will explore the various Veterans Day freebies and discounts available to veterans, as well as provide an overview of the history and significance of this important holiday.
Veterans Day History and Significance
Veterans Day has its roots in Armistice Day, which was first observed on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1954, the holiday was amended to include all American veterans, and its name was changed to Veterans Day. Today, Veterans Day is a time to honor the more than 18 million living veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces, as well as the millions of veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the country. According to the Veterans Administration, there are currently 1.3 million veterans of the Gulf War era, 726,000 veterans of the Vietnam War era, and 240,000 veterans of the Korean War era living in the United States.
Key Points
- Veterans Day is observed on November 11th to honor all American veterans
- Many businesses offer freebies and discounts to veterans on Veterans Day
- Veterans can enjoy free meals, discounts on merchandise, and other perks on this holiday
- Some popular Veterans Day freebies include free meals at restaurants, discounts on clothing and accessories, and free admission to national parks and museums
- Veterans can also take advantage of year-round discounts and benefits offered by various organizations and businesses
Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts
On Veterans Day, many restaurants, retailers, and other businesses offer free meals, discounts, and other perks to veterans. Some popular Veterans Day freebies include:
- Free meals at restaurants such as Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Olive Garden
- Discounts on merchandise at retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Target
- Free admission to national parks and museums, such as the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service
- Discounts on car rentals and hotel stays, such as those offered by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Marriott International
| Business | Offer |
|---|---|
| Applebee's | Free meal for veterans and active-duty military |
| Home Depot | 10% discount on all purchases for veterans and active-duty military |
| National Park Service | Free admission to all national parks for veterans and their families |
| Marriott International | Discounted hotel rates for veterans and active-duty military |
Veterans Day Events and Activities
In addition to the freebies and discounts, many communities and organizations host events and activities on Veterans Day to honor veterans and their families. Some popular events include:
- Parades and ceremonies, such as the National Veterans Day Parade in New York City
- Concerts and performances, such as the National Memorial Day Concert on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
- Volunteer opportunities, such as those offered by the USO and the Red Cross
- Discounted or free admission to sporting events, such as NFL and MLB games
Year-Round Discounts and Benefits
While Veterans Day is a special time to honor veterans, many organizations and businesses offer year-round discounts and benefits to those who have served. Some popular year-round discounts include:
- Discounts on clothing and accessories, such as those offered by Under Armour and The North Face
- Discounts on home improvement products, such as those offered by Home Depot and Lowe’s
- Discounts on travel and entertainment, such as those offered by Expedia and Disney
- Discounts on education and training, such as those offered by Microsoft and IBM
What is the history of Veterans Day?
+Veterans Day has its roots in Armistice Day, which was first observed on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1954, the holiday was amended to include all American veterans, and its name was changed to Veterans Day.
What are some popular Veterans Day freebies and discounts?
+Some popular Veterans Day freebies include free meals at restaurants, discounts on merchandise, and free admission to national parks and museums. Additionally, many businesses offer year-round discounts and benefits to veterans, such as discounts on clothing and accessories, home improvement products, and travel and entertainment.
How can veterans take advantage of Veterans Day freebies and discounts?
+Veterans can take advantage of Veterans Day freebies and discounts by presenting their military ID or proof of service at participating businesses. Additionally, many organizations offer year-round discounts and benefits to veterans, which can be accessed through their websites or by contacting their customer service departments.
Meta description: Learn about Veterans Day freebies and discounts, including free meals, merchandise discounts, and admission to national parks and museums. Discover how to take advantage of these offers and find year-round discounts and benefits for veterans. (150 characters)
