Among the great days of national remembrance, the eleventh of November has become the nation’s best time to recognize and thank all veterans for their service to our country, and this year presents a special centenary as we recognize the 100-year anniversary of the 1918 Armistice.
Following more than four years of fighting, the World War I Armistice went into effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, November 11, 1918. The armistice ensured a ceasefire for WWI, but it took another six months of negotiations at the Paris Peace Conference before finalizing the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, which was signed on June 28, 1919.
It took another seven years for Armistice Day to become a national holiday in the United States, and it wasn’t until 1954 that Americans celebrated November 11 as the Veterans Day that we’ve come to know today.
One way businesses and restaurants throughout the state will honor those who have donned the nation’s uniform and protected our freedoms will be with a free meal or entry into their establishment.
CalVet has gathered the following list of restaurants and businesses offering deals to veterans, current servicemembers and military families.
We wish all of our state’s veterans a happy Veterans Day.
Please note: We recommend you call specific locations to make sure they are taking part in the promotions and ask in advance what proof of service they will need to see. (P.S. Getting veteran designation on your driver license or ID card makes it easy to prove your service!)
Aerospace Museum of California
Veterans Day open cockpit and wreath laying ceremony – free admission
On Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11th, Applebee’s® is on a mission to serve one million meals to neighborhood military heroes. For the 11th year, all veterans and active duty military are invited to visit their local Applebee’s® on Veterans Day to enjoy a free full-size entrée from a selection of eight fan favorites.
Disney isn’t the only amusement park that offers discounts to military members, veterans, retirees, and their families.
(CPK) will pay tribute to veterans and active duty members of the U.S. military this Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11, by offering them a complimentary entrée from CPK’s special Veterans Day menu at all participating California Pizza Kitchen locations nationwide*. Participating guests will also receive a card to redeem for a buy one, get one free offer on pizza, pasta, or salad during a return visit Nov. 12-18 (while supplies last).
The California State Parks Department will honor the service of veterans, as well as active and reserve personnel, by offering free admission to 144 state parks on Monday, November 12, in observance of Veterans Day. Veterans, active duty and reserve military must show a valid military ID in order to receive free admission.
During the month of November, upon purchasing a used vehicle from Enterprise, receive a Firestone prepaid maintenance package that is valued at $300.
All veterans and service personnel get a free car wash at participating locations. Every year Grace For Vets, a non-profit organization, unites the car wash industry in 4 countries (U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia) with this program.
On Veterans Day, customers who come in for a haircut at any U.S. Great Clips salon will receive a free haircut card to give to an active/inactive/retired military member of any branch, including the National Guard. Veterans can also visit any U.S. Great Clips salon on November 11 to get either a free haircut that day or to pick up a free haircut card to use later. Haircuts are redeemable until Dec. 31. On any other day, Great Clips also offers a discount of $2; just ask for it.
A 10% discount is also offered to all other military veterans on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day.
Eligible military personnel, veterans and immediate family members can combine the Veteran and Military Rate (offer code MILVET) with its upcoming holiday promotion, in which members who stay for four or more consecutive nights at any Hyatt House hotel in the U.S. between November 1 and December 31, 2018 can earn 2,000 World of Hyatt bonus points.
Buy a new Hyundai and receive an additional $1,000 off new vehicles distributed by Hyundai Motor America. Customers (or spouses) must be Active Duty, Reservists/National Guard, Veteran, or on Retired status in the U.S. Military at the commencement of the program period. Active, Veteran, or Retired U.S. Military for this program are defined as customers serving or having served in the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, National Guard, or Reserves. The offer is good from November 8, 2018 through November 13, 2018.
Sports Clips is also offering a free haircut on Veterans Day. Participating Sport Clips locations will offer free haircuts to all active duty military and veterans (with valid ID.)
Where to Eat Free on Veterans Day
Patch.com has posted a list of all participating restaurants offering free meals, deals and specials on November 11 and 12. Not all listed restaurants participate, so check before you go.
Find more Veterans Day deals on USA Today (Sunday and Monday)
Note: Proof of service is recommended
This may include a:
- current military or retired military ID card,
- Veterans ID card,
- VA Healthcare ID card
- a DD Form 214,
- a Drivers License with a veterans designation,
- or other proof of service.
- Some locations may also accept a membership card from a Veterans Service Organization (e.g. DAV, VFW, AMVETS, American Legion, etc.), a picture of you in uniform, or some other proof of service.
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