Veterans Day 2015 posterNovember 11 is Veterans Day, the national holiday dedicated to honoring all who have served in America’s armed forces.

It was originally known as Armistice Day because the armistice or temporary cessation of hostilities for World War I took effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For a complete history of Veterans Day, visit www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp.

For information on national and regional observances, Veterans Day history, resources for students and teachers or to download the Veterans Day poster, visit www.va.gov/vetsday.

2015 Veterans Day Events

For a list of Veterans Day events, visit the MN Dept. of Veterans Affairs listing.

2015 Veterans Day Restaurant Deals

54th Street Grill – Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal (up to $12) on Nov. 11.

Applebee’s – Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a limited menu on Nov. 11.

Arooga’s – Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a fixed menu on Nov. 11.

Bakers Square – Veterans and active-duty military get a free breakfast from a set menu on Nov. 11.

Bar Louie – Nov. 10-11, veterans and active military personnel get a free meal up to a $12 value.

Bob Evans – Veterans and active military personnel receive a free breakfast from a select menu on Nov. 11.

Bonanza Steakhouses – Active-duty and retired military get a free buffet on Nov. 11, 4 p.m. to close.

Cattlemens – Active, inactive and retired military personnel get a free small sirloin steak dinner on Nov. 11.

Cheeseburger in Paradise – Active and retired military personnel receive a complimentary burger with fries on Nov. 11.

Chili’s – Veterans and active military servicemembers get a free entree from a limited menu on Nov. 11.

Cracker Barrel – Veterans get a complimentary Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake dessert during lunch and dinner on Nov. 11.

Denny’s – Active, inactive and retired military personnel get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. to noon at participating locations.

Famous Dave’s – Thank you to our Veterans! Stop in and enjoy a Dessert or Appetizer on us. Valid 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dine-in only.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill – Active-duty military and veterans get a free lunch or dinner entree on Nov. 11.

Friendly’s – Veterans and active military get a free breakfast, lunch or dinner from a limited menu on Nov. 11.

Golden Corral – Golden Corral Restaurants’ Military Appreciation Night free dinner will be available on Nov. 11 from 5-9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and reserves are all welcome.

IHOP – Participating IHOP restaurants offer veterans and active-duty military free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 11.

Ikea – Veterans get a free entree Nov. 8-11.

Krystal – Active and retired military receive a free Krystal chicken or sausage biscuit from 6-11 a.m. on Nov. 11.

Little Caesars – Veterans and active military members receive a free $5 Lunch Combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 11.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – On Nov. 8, participating McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants will offer a complimentary entree to veterans from a special menu.

Max & Erma’s – On Nov. 11, participating Max & Erma’s locations are offering veterans and active military personnel a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo meal.

Menchie’s – All active and retired military personnel will receive a free 6-ounce frozen yogurt on Nov. 11.

Mission BBQ – Veterans and active-duty military get a free sandwich and a slice of cake on Nov. 11.

On the Border – Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free meal from the “Create Your Own Combo” menu on Nov. 11.

Orange Leaf – Veterans and active-duty military get a free cup of froyo on Nov. 11.

Outback Steakhouse – All active and former servicemembers receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage on Nov. 11. Outback is also offering active and former servicemembers 15 percent off their meals Nov. 12 through Dec. 31.

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery – FREE Magnificent Seven on Veteran’s Day… Our Salute to those who Serve!

Pondrosa Steakhouse – Active-duty and retired military get a free buffet on Nov. 11, 4 p.m. to close.

Red Hot & Blue – Veterans receive a free entree with the purchase of a second entree Nov. 9-11. Coupon required.

Red Lobster – Veterans, reserve and active-duty military personnel receive a free appetizer or dessert from a limited menu Nov. 9-12. 

Red Robin – Veterans and active-duty military get a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on Nov. 11.

Rock and Brews – Veterans and active military personnel receive a complimentary pulled pork sandwich with a side choice throughout the day on Nov. 11.

Ruby Tuesday – Veterans, active-duty and reserve servicemembers get a free appetizer on Nov. 11.

Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill – Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill is offering a choice between complimentary hummus served with grilled herb flatbread or garlic cheese bread on Nov. 11.

Shoney’s – Shoney’s will offer a free All-American Burger to veterans and active-duty servicemembers on Nov. 11.

Sizzler – Sizzler offers active-duty and veteran military members a free lunch and beverage from a limited menu on Nov. 11 until 4 p.m.

Spaghetti Warehouse – From Nov. 9-11, buy one entree and get the second entree free. Coupon required.

Sticky Fingers – Veterans, active, inactive or retired servicemen and servicewomen get a free entree up to a $12.99 value on Nov. 11. In addition to the free meal, veterans who dine-in get a coupon valued at $10 to be used on their next visit.

Texas Roadhouse – Locations nationwide will offer veterans a free lunch on Nov. 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Offer is good for active-duty, retired or former U.S. military.

TGIFriday’s- Veterans and active-duty military get a free lunch from a select menu on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Uno Pizzeria & Grill – Veterans and active military get a free entree or individual pizza with an entree or pizza purchase of equal or greater value on Nov. 11.

Village Inn – Veterans and active military personnel receive a free breakfast on Nov. 11 from a select menu at participating locations. Village Inn is also providing a “Thank you For Your Service” card valid for 20 percent off on the next visit.

Wienerschnitzel – Veterans and active-duty military receive a free chili dog and a small Pepsi on Nov. 11.

World of Beer – All veterans and current servicemembers receive a free select draught beer on Nov. 11.

2015 Veterans Day Retail Deals

Alfred Angelo – Military brides get a free wedding gown on Veterans Day. An appointment to the store must be made for Nov. 11 to qualify.

Alimond Studio – Veterans and active-duty servicemembers get a free headshot at Alimond Studio on Saturday, Nov. 7. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Leesburg, Va.

Bellhops – The moving company is offering free moving labor for veterans from Nov. 13 to Dec. 15. Veterans must call on Veterans Day to schedule an appointment.

Brides Across America – Brides Across America holds a wedding gown giveaway in partnership with bridal salons across the country in November to honor Veterans Day. Qualifying brides register to attend the event at a participating bridal salon by completing the registration form and paying a $20 fee. Once verified, you will be assisted in finding a gown from the selection.

Cardiac Life – For the month of November, Cardiac Life is offering veterans $15 CPR courses.

Carhartt’s – Active-duty and retired military servicemembers who present a military ID at one of Carhartt’s 21 company-owned stores will receive a complimentary exclusive hat, while supplies last.

Enterprise Car Sales – Active U.S. military members, veterans and their dependents get a Firestone Prepaid Maintenance Package with the purchase of any Enterprise vehicle during the month of November.

Firestone Complete Auto Care – Nov. 8-15, veterans and active-duty personnel receive an additional 10 percent off the lowest advertised price of any automotive service.

Grace for Vets – Car washes from around the world who join this program offer free car washes to veterans and servicemembers on Nov. 11.

Great Clips – On Nov. 11, customers who come in for a service can get a free haircut card to give to their favorite veteran. Veterans can also receive a free haircut or get the free haircut card. Haircuts are redeemable until Dec. 31.

Home Depot – Home Depot offers a 10 percent discount to all veterans on Nov. 11. Home Depot offers the 10 percent discount year-round to active-duty and retirees.

Little Bra Company – Save 15 percent during the month of November on all regular-priced merchandise at the Little Bra Company when you shop online.

Lowe’s – All veterans receive a 10 percent discount on Nov. 11. The offer is available in stores only. Lowe’s offers the 10 percent discount year-round to active-duty and retirees.

Rack Room Shoes – Military personnel and their dependents get a 10 percent discount off entire purchase on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Sleep Number -From now until Nov. 15, active and veteran military members will receive exclusive discounts on Sleep Number products. Save up to $700 on select Sleep Number mattress sets.

Steve Madden – Steve Madden offers everyone 20 percent off the entire purchase, and servicemembers receive an additional 10 percent off on Nov. 11.

Tires Plus – Between Nov. 8-15, veterans and active-duty personnel receive an additional 10 percent off the lowest advertised price of any automotive service.

Wheel Works – Between Nov. 8-15, veterans and active-duty personnel receive an additional 10 percent off the lowest advertised price of any automotive service.