Every year on November 11th, the United States celebrates Veterans Day to honor individuals that have served in the military. Currently, there are close to 20 million veterans in the U.S. Here’s what you need to know on this Veterans Day.
History
Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day. President Woodrow Wilson declared that November 11th would be called Armistice Day since it was the day that the major combat stopped in World War I. It didn’t become a legal holiday until 1938 and wasn’t really celebrated until 1947. The term “Veterans Day” replaced “Armistice Day” in 1954.
Facts
- Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day is meant to honor all of those who have served in the military and not just those that have died while serving.
- In 1971 the fourth Monday in October became Veterans Day. It wasn’t until 1978 that it was changed back to being celebrated on November 11th.
- Not only is Veterans Day a state holiday, but it’s a federal one as well.
- Other countries celebrate the same day. Canada & Australia both call November 11th Remembrance Day. Great Britain also calls it “Remembrance Day,” too, but observes it on the Sunday closest to Nov. 11th.
2021 Veterans Day Travel, Food and Recreation Discounts
- 7/11 Eleven: Get a free coffee or Big Gulp drink. Please note, you have to download the 7-Eleven app, create an account, and connect it with their Veterans Advantage membership.
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Veterans will receive free Museum admission as well as half-price tickets for three family members from November 11 to 14.
- Applebee’s: On Nov. 11, the restaurant chain is giving active military, veterans, Reserves and National Guard a free meal from a special menu.
- Caesars Entertainment: Veterans and active-duty military who book future travel on Caesars.com from November 4 to 15 get up to 35% off.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active military can get a free meal is offering a free meal and drink from a special menu and veterans who dine-in will receive a BOGO offer to redeem November 12 -20.
- Chili’s: On November 11th, veterans and active military can get a free meal from a limited menu that includes fan favorites like Chicken Crispers, Margarita Grilled Chicken, and a bacon burger.
- Cincinnati Zoo: All members of the military will receive free admission on November 11. Half price admission is available for family members.
- Cruise lines: Several companies including Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean cruises, Disney Cruise line, NCL and Holland America cruises all have military discounts year-round.
- Denny’s: On Nov. 11, active and inactive military personnel can enjoy a complimentary “Build Your Own Grand Slam” from 5 a.m. to noon.
- Dunkin’ Donuts is giving veterans and active military a free donut of their choice.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced medium coffee.
- I-Hop is giving away free pancakes to all military veterans with a choice of two limited-time menu items.
- Golden Corral is offering a free dinner buffet and non- alcoholic drink from 5 to 9pm.
- Knotts Berry Farm: Active duty military and veterans free admission for themselves and one guest (plus up to 6 additional tickets for a discounted price) from Nov. 1-18 & again from Nov 29-Dec 16.
- Legoland Florida: All veterans can get free admission to LEGOLAND Florida from Nov. 1-25 this year. They may also purchase up to six guest tickets at a 50 percent discount. Plus, on Nov. 11, visiting veterans can also receive a discount on food and stores in the park.
- Little Caesars is offering a free lunch combo between 11am and 2pm.
- National Parks: On November 11, veterans will have access to over 100 National Parks that require entrance fees for free. Browse National parks tours for next year.
- National WWI Museum and Memorial: Admission is free for veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 7 through 15.
- Outback Steakhouse: Outback is offering veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and non-alcoholic beverage on Nov. 11. Year-round active and retired military can also enjoy a 10 percent discount.
- Pollo Tropical is offering a free Quarter Chicken Meal with two sides.
- Publix Supermarkets: Receive 10% off groceries. It does exclude certain items such as prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets & postage stamps.
- Starbucks: Veterans, military service members, and military spouses at participating U.S. stores will offer a free tall hot brewed coffee on Nov. 11. Starbucks will also donate 25 cents for every cup sold nationwide that day to organizations that support the mental health of military communities. Although not offered as a free cup, Starbuck Holiday Coffees just hit stores this past Friday.
- Wendy’s is offering a free breakfast combo from 6:30 to 10:30 am.
- Wyndham Hotels & Resorts — Active and retired military members, veterans, and their families save up to 15%, plus receive 500 Wyndham Rewards bonus points for qualified stays booked by December 7 and completed by December 8, 2020.
- Yard House is offering a free appetizer.
Looking for a vacation package? Pleasant Holidays and Journese are great choices. Not only do they offer Cancel for any reason travel insurance as an option, but they have a frontline travel discount program in place year-round. The “Frontline Travel Discount” program applies to active U.S. healthcare professionals, paramedics, police officers, and firefighters, as well as to those on active duty or active reserve in the U.S. armed forces or attending U.S. military academies, and U.S. military personnel who have been honorably discharged within 30 days of travel. This secures a discount of 10% savings.
Please note that these offers are subject to change.
