Monday, November 9th, 2009 05:56 am GMT -4 | 
Veterans Day is nearly upon us. This national holiday has been designated as such since November 11, 1919 as a means to celebrate Armistice Day- the day “the” Armistice was singed ending World War I, for the most part.
But what good would an American holiday be without being commercialized? (Insert snarky facial expression here.) However, in an attempt to tone down the Hallmark-ness of the federal holiday I went looking for things that could be used by veterans of past and present. And I actually found some; here’s the list of places and/or things that are holding their own celebration to honor those who’ve endured the service and are/have been in the U.S. Military. These are in no particular order… and be sure to click on the links as their pointing to the appropriate Veterans Day pages.
- UNO Chicago Grill (Yummy!): Free entrée or individual pizza; bring your ID, a picture of you in uniform, or show up in your uniform on November 11th.
- Applebee’s: Show proof of military service and get a free meal on them on November 11th.
- McCormick and Schmicks: Veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée on November 8.
- Golden Corral: Golden Corral’s 9th annual Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 16, 2009, from 5 to 9 pm in all Golden Corral restaurants nationwide.
- Colonial Williamsburg: Active duty military, guard and reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents enjoy free admission passes Friday through Wednesday, November 6-11 in honor of Veteran’s Day. On Wednesday, 11 November, Colonial Williamsburg honors America’s Veterans with a procession down Duke of Gloucester Street, 4:30 p.m., beginning at the Capitol. The parade culminates in a public ceremony, with militia and cannon crew firing volleys in recognition of those who serve. Hear Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums, and speakers from past and present.
- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: This year, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation is honoring America’s service men and women on Veterans Day by giving away free doughnuts to all veterans and active military personnel. Veterans and active military personnel are invited to visit any participating U.S. Krispy Kreme store on Veterans Day, November 11, and enjoy one free doughnut of any variety.
- Outback Steakhouse: All Veterans and Active Duty military can get a free Bloomin’ Onion and drink on November 11th.
- U.S. National Parks: Free admission on November 11th. To honor America’s service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that areas managed by the department will not charge entrance fees on Veterans Day.
- Build-a-Bear: If you’re a member of the military you’ll receive a 20% discount (good timing for Christmas shopping) any single purchase so long as you can show your military ID. This is valid from November 11th – 15th. Check out their Facebook page for more info.
- Knott’s Berry Farm: Get free admission if you’re an active duty member or veterans and a guest. This deal’s going from November 1st – 24th. Check this out for more info.
- Home Depot and Lowes: Have advertised that they will offer all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10% discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran’s Day. However, both companies offer a 10% discount at the majority of their stores YEAR ROUND….all you have to do is ask.
Some of these came from a little Google searching, and others came from the great blog Thrifty Northwest Mom.
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