Celebrate with your Veteran

Our nation's veterans and active military deserve more than one day in their honor. That being said, retailers, restaurants and other businesses are doing their best to make this Veterans Day (Sunday, Nov. 11) the best it can be with freebies and discounts. To show gratitude for their service and sacrifice, Coupon Sherpa has compiled the best offers into 48 Veterans Day Freebies, 11 of which are detailed below.

Most of these offers require some form of military identification, and others are limited to select locations. Ultimately, it's best to call ahead to determine exactly what's needed to redeem the offer.

1. Anheuser-Busch Parks
All past and present military, together with up to three of their dependents, can get free admission to most locations of Anheuser-Busch Parks one day per year.

2. Applebee's
All military personnel with a valid I.D. can get a free meal on Nov. 11 from a special Veterans Day menu.

3. Golden Corral
As part of its annual Military Appreciation Monday Dinner, the Golden Corral is offering free meals to all past and present members of the military from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 12.

4. Grace for Vets
Grace for Vets is an organization dedicated to supporting both active and retired military personnel by organizing free car washes during military holidays. Click here to find a participating location near you and get a free car wash on Nov. 11.

5. Hooters
Military veterans and active-duty personnel can get 10 free wings with the purchase of a beverage on Nov. 11 at participating Hooters locations.

6. Lone Star Steakhouse
Select a free entree from Lone Star's Stars and Stripes menu on Nov. 12. The offer is valid at participating restaurants for all veterans and active military personnel.

7. National Parks
Free admission to over 100 national parks is available to everyone on Nov. 10 and 11.

8. Olive Garden
All veterans and those on active duty can select a free meal from Olive Garden's Veterans Day menu on Nov. 11, with options including Chicken Parmigiano and Seafood Rustica.

9. On the Border
Active and retired military personnel can get a free entree coupon (up to $10), redeemable between Nov. 12 and Nov. 30. Anyone who brings a Sizzling Salute to Veterans flyer on Nov. 11 will have 15 percent of their total purchase donated to Carry the Load, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the true meaning of Memorial Day.

10. Red Robin
All military personnel can receive a free Red's Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries on Nov. 12 at participating locations. Red Robin will also donate $10,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project.

11. Sports Clips
Past and present U.S. service members can get a free haircut from participating locations of Sports Clips on Nov. 11. 

Thanks to Coupon Sherpa for sharing with us.  

A Day to Honor

Thanks to the Dept of Veterans Affairs for the poster.

Today is Veterans Day.
Today we will have such an honor.
Today we remember.



In our lil town here in Texas we have a yearly ceremony to honor the veterans. It is not fancy but it is moving. At our local high school there is an assembly. Where the students pay tribute to the veterans. We sit quietly and watch them file in. Many old and stooped over. Often with canes, wheel chairs and aids. But there is also the mid age coming in too. Standing tall with a hat or a pin or a vest on, reminders of their time served. And now we have young men and women attending. Dressed in full uniform. Home for a visit, just beginning their tour or having returned from doing their duty.

You see students wipe tears. Others quietly move down the bleachers to hug one they honor. Many place their hands over their hearts. Most hold their breath. It is a quiet time to see so many file in.

Then there is introductions, speeches and much much music. Tributes are paid and a flurry of kids who rush the men and women to say they love them. I am telling you it is quite moving.

Today, I get to help. My Dear Hubby is the commander of our local AmVets organization. And it is arranged to help transport the 20+ veterans from the local nursing home. Half are in wheel chairs. Thankfully the school district is helping provide a handicap bus for them to be transported in. Afterwards we will travel to the local DAV building. There members are putting together a lunch for these folks. Then we will help them return to the home they now have. I hope I can do a service today. I hope I can convey how proud I am to be able to help in a small way. I hope I can let them know how much I honor their service.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Fort Hood Families Band Together to Grieve and Honor the Fallen (blogs.abcnews.com)
• Boy Who Fled Vietnam War Returns as U.S. Officer (nytimes.com)