Veterans honored for service by businesses

Veterans Day is a national holiday to observe all US veterans. Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first celebrated in America on Nov. 11, 1919, to honor the men and women who served in the military during war and peacetime. 

It's celebrated at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. There are about 21 million living Veterans in the U.S. 
 

Outback Steakhouse
 

This Veterans Day, Outback Steakhouse is honoring all active and retired military members with a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage by showing a valid military ID at participating restaurants today. 

To show continued support for our troops beyond Veterans Day, Outback is also offering all  #MyMilitaryMates, including active or retired military members and their families, 15% off their check from Nov. 12 - Dec. 31.

Plus, for the first time ever, Outback is honoring those who are currently serving our country by offering a Veterans Day Rain Check to deployed service men and women. By registering at Outback.com/Military between Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, 2015, deployed military personnel will receive a voucher for a Free Bloomin' Onion via email, which they can redeem by presenting their printed Raincheck, along with valid military ID, at participating U.S. Outback Steakhouses in 2016.

Cinnabon

Help us say “thank you” to all who serve. When you buy a CinnaPack this season, Cinnabon will make a donation on your behalf to Operation Gratitude. 

Send our military a #SweetSalute via the link on Cinnabon or by using the hashtag on hashtag on Twitter or Instagram. Your salute may wind up in a care package from Operation Gratitude that will be sent to military.  

Cracker Barrel

On Veterans Day, all military veterans receive a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola^® Cake.

Also, on Veterans Day, 10% of the sales price of all purchases of our Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola^® Cake will be donated to the USO Transition 360 Alliance. 

Today, 10% of the sales price of the purchase of these products will be donated to the USO Transition 360 Alliance.

• Tervis^® Bless the U.S.A. Coffee Mug and Tumbler
• All American Jelly Belly^® Mix
• Home of the Free Sign
• Red, White, and Blue Peg Game
• Flag Cookie
• Big Little Fudge^® Camo Fudge Bites
• Yellow Ribbon Customizable Car Sticker

Applebee's

For the eighth consecutive year, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar® will honor current and former United States military personnel by providing them with free meals at all Applebee's restaurants in the United States today.

This Veterans Day, Applebee's expects to serve approximately 1 million free meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel. Since 2008, Applebee's has served approximately 8.5 million free meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel. 

Applebee's will offer a variety of its signature items on its Veterans Day menu:

• 7 oz. House Sirloin - Our classic steakhouse cut, savory to the last bite. Served with seasonal vegetables and your choice of garlic mashed potatoes or baked potato.
• American Standard All-In Burger® -- Our signature burger, with pickles, bacon and onion seared in and topped with American cheese and grill sauce.
• Double Crunch Shrimp - A generous portion of succulent shrimp, golden fried to crunchy perfection and served with fries, cole slaw and cocktail sauce.
• Three-Cheese Chicken Penne - A blend of Italian cheeses top a rich mix of penne pasta, grilled chicken, bruschetta tomatoes, fresh basil and creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Fiesta Lime Chicken® -- Grilled chicken done fiesta style, with zesty lime sauce, Mexi-ranch and Jack cheddar, served with crisp tortilla strips, seasoned rice and freshly made pico de gallo.
• Chicken Tenders Platter - Tender, juicy, breaded and downright delicious, served with Honey Dijon mustard, fries and cole slaw.
• Oriental Chicken Salad - Fresh Asian greens tossed in a tasty Oriental vinaigrette and topped with crispy noodles, toasted almonds and golden fried chicken.

In order to receive a free meal on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015, guests just need to provide proof of military service, which includes: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, photograph in uniform or wearing uniform, DD214, Citation or Commendation.

Offer is valid for limited menu items only. Menu selection and participation may vary. Dine-in only. Traditional sides are included with free entrees; 2 for $20 appetizers, upgraded side items or extras, beverages, desserts and gratuity are not included. Applebee's will offer free meals for veterans and active-duty military during normal business hours today. Hours vary by location, so guests should call their local Applebee's restaurant in advance to inquire about specific location hours or visit www.applebees.com for more information.

In addition to the free meals, Applebee's will enable those grateful to veterans and military personnel an opportunity to express their thanks at www.thankyoumovement.com.

IHOP

IHOP® restaurants will once again honor the 22 million Veterans currently living in the United States and more than 1.3 million Armed Forces members currently serving in the military by offering them a free stack of Red, White and Blue pancakes on Veteran's Day.
 

Participating IHOP restaurants throughout the United States will serve a stack of Red, White and Blue pancakes - buttermilk pancakes crowned with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote and whipped topping - free for Veterans and Active Duty Military on Veteran's Day, today from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Veterans and Active Duty Military simply show proof of military service to receive their free Red, White and Blue pancakes. Proof includes: US Uniformed Services ID Card, US Uniformed Services Retired ID Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (i.e. American Legion, VFW, etc.), photograph of yourself in US military uniform, wearing uniform, DD214, military dog tags, and citation or commendation.  

Great Clips

Every year, Veterans Day gives us an opportunity to thank the men and women who have served and are currently serving our country in the military. This year, Great Clips salons in the U.S. will have its third annual "Thank a Veteran Free Haircut Card" promotion to give our customers a way to show appreciation for the veterans in their lives. While not all of us have served in the military ourselves, most of us know at least one veteran we would like to thank.


How the promotion works:
• On Nov. 11, today only, customers who stop in for a service at any Great Clips salon in the United States can receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran.
• The free haircut cards are redeemable by all current and past members of the military including active, inactive, retired, disabled and reserve members from any branch.  The free haircut cards are redeemable until Dec. 31, 2015.
• Free haircut cards are given away while supplies last. US Salons only.

In addition, veterans can come into any U.S. Great Clips salon today and receive a free haircut or receive a free haircut card to be used before the end of the year. Its our small way of saying a big THANK YOU to veterans.

Red Lobster

Red Lobster is thanking active-duty military, actively serving, reserve and military veterans for their service with a no purchase necessary free appetizer or dessert offer.

Guests may choose from a special menu that includes:

Appetizers

• Sweet Chili Shrimp
• Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp
• Lobster-Artichoke-and-Seafood Dip
• Lobster-Crab-and-Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms
• Lobster Pizza
• Signature Shrimp Cocktail
• Crispy Calamari and Vegetables
• Mozzarella Cheesesticks
• Crispy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
• White-Wine-and-Roasted-Garlic-Mussels
• Shrimp Nachos

Desserts

• Warm Chocolate Chip Lava Cookie
• NY Style Cheesecake with Strawberries
• Carrot Cake
• Warm Apple Crostada
• Chocolate Wave

TIDAL

Recognizing the commitment and service exemplified by members of the military, global streaming and entertainment platform TIDAL has announced the availability of a military discount in appreciation of those who have served in the United States. Beginning at 10am Eastern today, members of the military community can sign up here: Tidal.com/Try-now (discount will be permanently available).

   

Key details:

• Pricing: Premium membership for $5.99 and a HiFi membership for $11.99 (originally $9.99 and $19.99). 
• Eligibility: Active-duty, Veterans, Retirees, members of the National Guard/Reserves 
• Verification: TIDAL has partnered with leading online eligibility verification service, SheerID to create a seamless sign-up process

At the premium tier, military members will have access to exclusive tracks, videos, expertly curated playlists and one of-a-kind experiences with their favorite artists. The HiFi tier has the added benefit of high-fidelity sound, delivering the music to your ears the way the artists and producers intended it to be heard. There is no compression of the files, and the music is CD-level quality.

 Krispy Kreme

Get a free doughnut and small cup of coffee today if you are a veteran or active duty military. 

No ID required. 

No purchase or coupon needed. 

LongHorn Steakhouse 

Veterans dedication to our country deserves respect and recognition. Please join us on today as we appreciate our veterans and active duty military with a free Texas Tonion and non-alcoholic beverage. 

Thank you for your service.

Chuck E. Cheese's

In honor of Veterans Day, Chuck E. Cheese’s is inviting all veterans and active duty military to enjoy a free individual thin and crispy pizza. The offer will only be valid today, at your local Chuck E. Cheese’s store.

Olive Garden

Today, for Veterans Day, receive a complimentary entrée from our special menu. For their support, your family will receive a 10% discount. We'd be proud to serve you.

As always, start with unlimited soup or salad and breadsticks, then choose from one of the entrées below:

• cheese ravioli
• spaghetti with meat sauce lasagna
• chicken parmigiana 
• garlic rosemary chicken

Denny's

This Veterans Day, Denny’s is honoring America’s heroes by inviting active, inactive and retired military personnel to stop by for a free Build Your Own Grand Slam® today, from 5 a.m. to noon.

 

At participating locations nationwide, guests with a valid military ID can order a complimentary Build Your Own Grand Slam®, which includes four delicious breakfast items such as fluffy buttermilk or hearty wheat pancakes, eggs cooked to order, sizzling bacon strips, seasonal fruit or hash browns. This all-American meal can be customized to create a hearty breakfast or lunch for the brave men and women of our armed forces.

This year Denny’s is extending their support of America’s heroes with a $23,000 donation to Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit organization providing free accommodation for military and veterans’ families during medical  treatment. The donation, in the form of Denny’s gift cards, will help feed nearly 1,000 families during their stay at a Fisher House. Guests can learn more about the foundation and find out how they can help by scanning QR codes in-restaurant.
 

Ruby Tuesday

As a small thank you for a huge service, today we’re giving all veterans a free appetizer. Come by and grab a seat at our table. 

Valid with proof of service. 

One per proof of service. 


Educents

Today we take a day to remember and honor our Veterans. This freebie is great for helping children understand the role of the military, and how we can thank our Veterans.
Find the perfect classroom or homeschool activity to teach your little learners about this holiday.
 
 

Texas Roadhouse

Please join us at Texas Roadhouse from 11am-2pm today. If you are a veteran or active military personnel, bring your military ID, Veterans Affairs Card, or discharge papers to select a free entree and soft drink or tea from our Veterans Lunch Menu. 

Bring your family and friends to help us honor those who have served our country.

Please join us at 10:45am for a color ceremony presented by the West Lincoln High School JROTC to honor our veterans and kick off our celebration.

 

I hope you have a chance to thank a veteran today. If you are a veteran, we thank you for your service and hope you can take advantage of some of the offers listed here.