Veterans Day in 2017 was marked by a wave of appreciation offers from national brands and local businesses eager to honor those who served. Freebies and special deals rolled out across the country, giving veterans, active duty personnel, and military families a tangible way to enjoy the day.
Below is a detailed snapshot of common offers, eligibility details, and how these promotions compared across popular restaurant and retail chains during the 2017 observance.
| Business | Freebie or Discount | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applebee's | Free entrée | Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reserves with ID | Valid with military ID, excludes alcohol |
| Chili's | Free appetizer or entrée | Veterans and active duty with ID | Menu items only, dine-in only |
| Olive Garden | Free entrée certificate | Active duty, veterans, reservists, National Guard with ID | Certificate valid for next visit, up to 10 people |
| Red Lobster | Free appetizer | Veterans and active duty with ID | Valid on 11/11, excludes Alaska locations |
| Walmart | Savings rollbacks and military discounts | Military ID required at pharmacy or customer service | Selected items discounted, online verification available |
National Restaurant Offers on Veterans Day 2017
Major restaurant chains rolled out sit-down and fast casual specials to make the holiday memorable for service members. Veterans and active duty guests could typically show a military ID at the host stand to claim their free item.
Chain Specific Details
Many chains limited offers to Veterans Day itself, while others extended eligibility to include active duty and National Guard members. Proof of service in the form of a military ID card or DD Form was nearly always required to unlock these deals.
Casual Dining and Fast Food Military Deals
Beyond the headline chains, regional and national brands opened their doors with no-cost menu items. These promotions helped introduce new guests to the brand while reinforcing long standing gratitude for military service.
- Show a valid military ID at participating locations
- Free items typically limited to food, excluding alcohol
- Most promos valid on November 11, 2017, some extended through the weekend
- Some offers applied to dine in only, while others included takeout
Retail and Travel Discounts for Veterans
Retailers, travel brands, and service providers joined the celebration with deep discounts and special perks. These deals ranged from electronics price cuts to hotel stays tailored for military travelers.
Notable Retail Offers
Major retailers such as Walmart and HomeBase extended rollback pricing to service members, while travel companies like Alaska Airlines and Hilton offered bonus points or night awards for military bookings.
Eligibility and ID Requirements
Across the board, businesses asked for some form of military identification. Active duty, veterans, National Guard members, and reservists each found offers that matched their status, though rules varied by location and brand.
Planning Ahead for Future Military Appreciation Days
Looking back at 2017 highlights how widespread and varied these offers were. Veterans and service members can compare past deals with current promotions to maximize savings and perks during holiday events.
- Verify eligibility rules for each brand before visiting
- Carry both digital and physical military ID for flexibility
- Check for online promo codes if ordering ahead
- Confirm location specific offers, as terms vary by region
FAQ
Reader questions
Do I need to show my military ID to get a Veterans Day freebie in 2017?
Yes, nearly every restaurant and retailer required a valid military ID or DD Form to verify eligibility for free items or discounts.
Can veterans use digital proof or photocopies if they do not have a physical ID?
Most locations accepted digital copies or photocopies when the original card was unavailable, but it was best to call ahead to confirm store policy.
Were active duty personnel and National Guard included in these offers?
Absolutely, many 2017 Veterans Day offers extended to active duty, National Guard, and reservists, not just veterans.
Were online orders eligible for Veterans Day freebies in 2017?
Some brands allowed code based online redemption, while others restricted freebies to in-store visits, so checking the specific offer was essential.