When CBS’s John Dickerson asked former defense secretary and retired Marine James Mattis what keeps him awake at night, his response was, “Nothing. I keep other people awake at night.”
Nearly 31,000 U.S. Marines are currently forward deployed or stationed abroad, ensuring that those at home can sleep at night, while U.S. adversaries toss and turn. On this 247th Marine Corps Birthday, those serving abroad will be celebrating no matter where they are stationed.
In Albuquerque, Marine Corps League “Jerry Murphy” Detachment 381 will host a cake-cutting ceremony at New Mexico Veteran’s Memorial Park, 1100 Louisiana Blvd. SE. The free event begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10. For more information, visit the league’s Facebook page.
For those who can’t make the event but know a Marine, a happy birthday or semper fidelis will suffice.
Free and discounted meals for veterans on Veterans Day
Students at all Albuquerque Public Schools will be off, and some city offices closed Friday, Nov. 11, in recognition of Veterans Day.
Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day to commemorate the cessation of hostilities between the allied nations and Germany in World War I in 1918 on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Armistice Day became a federal holiday in the U.S. in 1938. In 1954, U.S. Congress amended the act recognizing Armistice Day, changing the word “Armistice” to “Veterans,” giving Americans a national holiday to recognize and honor veterans of all wars.
The following list of establishments providing free and discounted meals is a shortened version of a list provided on the Veterans Affairs website. Some discounts are only offered at select locations, so be sure to call ahead before stopping by.
Applebee’s – Nov. 11, 2022
Veterans and active-duty military can select a free meal from a limited menu on Veterans Day. Proof of service required.
Black Angus Steakhouse – Nov. 11, 2022
Participating restaurants will offer veterans and active-duty military an all-American steak plate, plus all the fixings and a nonalcoholic beverage, for $10.99 on Veterans Day. Must show military ID.
BJ’s Restaurant – Nov. 11, 2022
On Veterans Day, all service members can enjoy a complimentary entrée up to $14.95, plus a free Dr Pepper by presenting a military ID or proof of service.
Buffalo Wild Wings free wings – Nov. 11, 2022
All day on Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military who dine in or call for takeout at their local B-Dubs can receive a free order of boneless wings and a side of fries. At participating U.S. locations only.
California Pizza Kitchen – Nov. 8-10, 2022
Veterans and active-duty military with a valid ID can grab a free meal and non-alcoholic drink from a pre-selected menu at California Pizza Kitchen for dine in or takeout. California Pizza Kitchen will be donating 20% of all sales from Nov. 8-10 to Disabled American Veterans.
Chili’s Grill & Bar – Nov. 11, 2022
All veterans and active-duty military personnel can choose a complimentary meal from a select menu on Veterans Day.
Claim Jumper – Nov. 11, 2022
On Nov. 11, veterans who show valid ID may receive a free entrée from a special menu and a $5 bounce-back card for the next visit. This offer is valid for dine-in only at participating restaurants.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store – Military Family Appreciation Month/Nov. 11, 2022
During Military Family Appreciation Month, Cracker Barrel will offer in-store specials on Veterans Day for veterans and promotions throughout November to support military families in partnership with Operation Homefront. On Veterans Day, veterans can receive a free slice of double fudge Coca-Cola cake with their meal.
Denny’s – Nov. 11, 2022
On Nov. 11, Denny’s will be offering veterans or active-duty military with a valid ID a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. until noon.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Nov. 11, 2022
Free pulled pork classic sandwich is available this Veterans Day. To redeem in-store, veterans and current military personnel must present a military ID or valid proof of service.
Dunkin’ Donuts – Nov. 11, 2022
On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free donut at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide, no purchase necessary.
Einstein Bros. Bagels – Nov. 11, 2022
On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced medium coffee.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers – Nov. 11-30, 2022
On Veterans Day, receive a card for a free Freddy’s Original Double combo meal. Card is valid through Nov. 30.
Golden Corral – Nov. 14, 2022
Military Appreciation Night will be held from 5 p.m. to close Monday, Nov. 14. Golden Corral will once again be honoring military heroes with a free “thank you” meal.
Hooters – Nov. 11, 2022
On Friday, Nov. 11, all veterans who present a military ID or proof of service and purchase a beverage at any participating Hooters will receive a free entrée from a special Hooters Veterans Day Menu (available for dine-in only). The Hooters Veterans Day Menu includes five of Hooters’ most popular entrées:
• Buffalo chicken salad
• Buffalo chicken sandwich
• Grilled chicken sandwich
• Hooters burger
• 10-piece boneless wings
IHOP – Nov. 11, 2022
Veterans and active-duty military can get free Red, White and Blueberry pancakes at any IHOP on Nov. 11. This offer is only valid if you dine in with proof of service.
Kolache Factory – Nov. 11, 2022
Enjoy one free kolache (any kind) and one cup of freshly brewed Katz coffee (any size) on Veterans Day. All veterans and active military with government-issued military photo ID or DD 214 are eligible.
Krispy Kreme – Nov. 11, 2022
On Veterans Day, a doughnut and coffee will be on the house.
Little Caesars – Nov. 11, 2022
On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military can get a free lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Little Caesars. Only select Little Caesars are participating, so make sure you call ahead to your local one before you head over.
Melting Pot – Nov. 11, 2022
Veterans eat for free on Veterans Day at select Melting Pot locations with the purchase of regular-priced four-course meals. Veterans must show military IDs.
Olive Garden – Nov. 11, 2022
This Veterans Day, Olive Garden is offering veterans and active-duty service members a free entree from a special menu. All entrees include Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks and choice of soup or salad.
Outback Steakhouse – Nov. 11, 2022
This Veterans Day, all military veterans and active-service members can enjoy a free bloomin’ onion and Coca-Cola.
Red Lobster – Nov. 11, 2022
In honor of Veterans Day, and to thank veterans, active-duty military and reservists for their service, Red Lobster is offering guests a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, fries, and coleslaw, featuring six hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried shrimp, served with cocktail sauce, as well as crispy French fries and coleslaw.
The offer is available for dine-in and to-go orders placed in-restaurant between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. local time on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. Guests only need to show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem this offer.
Red Robin – Nov. 11, 2022
One free Red’s Tavern Double with Bottomless Steak Fries for veterans and active duty military on Friday, Nov. 11. Dine-in only.
Starbucks – Nov. 11, 2022
On Veterans Day, active-duty service members, reservists, veterans and military spouses are invited to enjoy a free tall (12-ounce) hot brewed coffee at participating Starbucks stores.
And new this year, Starbucks is expanding this offer to include a free tall (12-oz) iced coffee.
Taco Cabana – Nov. 11, 2022/second Tuesday of every month
All veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free ground beef or shredded chicken taco on Veterans Day and on the second Tuesday of every month. Use COUPON290.
Texas Roadhouse – Nov. 11, 2022
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11, veterans can drive into the parking lot of their closest Texas Roadhouse and pick up a meal voucher with a valid military ID or proof of service.
TravelCenters of America – Nov. 11, 2022
This Veterans Day, all active-duty military and veterans are offered a complimentary meal at participating locations.
Tucanos – Nov. 9-11, 2022
Free churrasco meal with the purchase of another churrasco meal (or a half-price meal available for veterans dining solo). Plus, post a selfie at Tucano’s and get a free dessert certificate from Nov. 9-11.
Twin Peaks – Nov. 11, 2022
All veterans, active-duty military and reservists can eat for free from a select menu on Veterans Day.
Village Inn – Nov. 11, 2022
Free V.I.B. breakfast on Veterans Day.
Wendy’s – Nov. 11, 2022
Wendy’s nationwide are offering a free small breakfast combo with a valid military ID on Veterans Day. No purchase is necessary.
Wienerschnitzel – Nov. 11, 2022
On Veterans Day, Wienerschnitzel is offering a free chili dog with a small fry and a small Pepsi to veterans and active-duty service members. Bring your military ID or dress in a uniform.
Yard House – Nov. 11, 2022
Veterans and active-duty military will receive a complimentary appetizer on Veterans Day with a valid military ID. The offer is valid for dine-in only.
DH Lescombes Winery & Bistro (Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Farmington) – Nov. 11, 2022
All veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free meal this Veterans Day.
More Veterans Day discounts
Bed Bath & Beyond – Nov. 11, 2022
For active-duty U.S. military, vets and spouses, Bed Bath and Beyond is offering 25% off any in-store purchase on Nov. 11, 2022. Call or visit your nearest location for details.
Great Clips – Nov. 11, 2022
Veterans and active-duty military can visit a U.S. Great Clips salon on Nov. 11 to receive either a free haircut that day or a free haircut card to use at a later date. Visit the Great Clips website for details.
National Parks – Nov. 11, 2022
All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to all visitors on Veterans Day.
Sports Clips – Nov. 11, 2022
Some locations will be offering free haircuts to veterans and active-duty service members on Nov. 11. Visit the Sports Clips website for details and participating locations.
Target – November 2022
Target is offering all U.S. active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families a 10% discount off the guest’s full basket. To receive the offer, guests must first demonstrate eligibility by registering at www.target.com/circle/military. After eligibility has been verified, an exclusive, one-time use 10% Target Circle offer will be available for the guest to use in-store or online.
Walgreens – Nov. 11-14, 2022
Military, veterans and their families receive 20% off eligible, regular-price purchases in-store when using myWalgreens membership.
