On this Veterans Day, let us honor those who served in the military not by pitying them because we think, rightly or wrongly, that they suffer from Post-traumatic Stress Syndrome, but by admiring them for their bravery, their patriotism, and their exploits.
And if you are a veteran, check out all the free stuff that companies are giving you to show their appreciation: Go to Military.com for lists of retailers and travel and recreational offerings.
And in lieu of personally buying you dinner or a drink, after the jump I list a whole slew of chain restaurants. that will treat you on the house. From Military.com, which lists even more restaurants at the site:
2015 Veterans Day Restaurant Offerings:
Applebee’s — Veterans and active duty military receive a free meal from a limited menu, on November 11.
Bob Evans — Veterans and active military personnel receive a free breakfast from a select menu on November 11.
Bonanza Steakhouses — Active duty and retired military get a free buffet on November 11, 4 pm to close.
California Pizza Kitchen – Veterans and active military receive a complimentary entrée from a special menu on November 11.
Cheeseburger in Paradise — Active and retired military personnel receive a complimentary burger with fries on November 11.
Chili’s — Veterans and active military service members get a free entrée from a limited menu on November 11.
Cracker Barrel — Veterans get a complimentary Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake dessert during lunch and dinner on November 11.
Denny’s — Active, inactive and retired military personnel get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on November 11, from 5 a.m. to noon at participating locations.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill — Active duty military and veterans get a free lunch or dinner entrée on November 11.
Friendly’s — Friendly’s is treating veterans and active military to a free breakfast, lunch or dinner from a limited menu on Veterans Day, November 11.
Golden Corral — Golden Corral Restaurants’ Military Appreciation Night free dinner will be available on November 11, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome.
Gordon Biersch — Veterans and active military personnel receive a free appetizer on November 11.
Greene Turtle — Veterans and active duty military receive a free meal from a select menu on November 11 at participating locations.
IHOP— On November 11, participating IHOP Restaurants offer veterans and active duty military free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Krispy Kreme — Krispy Kreme is offering a free doughnut and small coffee to all veterans on November 11 at participating locations.
Little Caesars — Veterans and active military members receive a free $5 Lunch Combo from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. on November 11.
Logan’s Roadhouse — In addition to the 10% military discount offered every day, military and former military guests will also receive a free dessert on November 11.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants — On November 8, participating McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants will offer a complimentary entree to veterans from a special menu.
Max & Erma’s – On November 11, participating Max & Erma’s locations are offering veterans and active military personnel a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo meal.
O’Charley’s – Veterans and active duty service members get a free $9.99 meal on November 9, as well as free pie on November 11.
Old Country Buffet — Current and former service members receive a free lunch at participating locations from 11 am until 2 pm on November 11.
Olive Garden – On November 11, all veterans and current service members get a free meal from a limited menu. Family members dining with them enjoy 10% off of their meals.
On the Border — Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free meal from the “Create Your Own Combo menu” on November 11.
Outback Steakhouse – All active and former service members receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage on November 11. Outback is also offering active and former service members 15% off their meals Nov. 12 through Dec. 31.
Ponderosa Steakhouse — Active duty and retired military get a free buffet on November 11, 4 pm to close.
Red Hot & Blue — Veterans receive a free entrée with the purchase of a second entrée on November 9, 10 and 11. Coupon required.
Red Lobster — Veterans, reserve and active-duty military personnel receive a free appetizer or dessert from a limited menu from November 9 through November 12.
Red Robin – Veterans and active duty military get a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on November 11.
Ruby Tuesday — Veterans, active duty and reserve service members get a free appetizer on November 11.
Ryan’s — Current and former service members receive a free lunch at participating locations from 11 am until 2 pm on November 11.
Shoney’s — Shoney’s will offer a free All-American Burger to veterans and active duty service members on November 11.
Sizzler — Sizzler offers active duty and veteran military members a free lunch and beverage from a limited menu on November 11 until 4 p.m.
Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill — Veterans and active duty get a free meal from a select menu on November 11.
Spaghetti Warehouse — From November 9 through November 11 buy one entrée and get the second entrée free. Coupon required.
Starbucks — Veterans, active duty service members and spouses get a free tall coffee on November 11 at participating locations.
Texas Roadhouse — Texas Roadhouse locations nationwide will offer veterans a free lunch on November 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Offer is good for active duty, retired or former U.S. military.
TGIFridays — Veterans and active duty military get a free lunch from a select menu on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tony Roma’s – Veterans and active military personnel receive a complimentary half rack of Baby Back ribs on November 11.
Uno Pizzeria & Grill – Veterans and active military get a free entrée or individual pizza with an entrée or pizza purchase of equal or greater value on November 11.
Village Inn — Veterans and active military personnel receive a free breakfast on November 11 from a select menu at participating locations. Village Inn is also providing a “Thank you For Your Service Card valid for 20% off on the next visit.
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