All the Veterans Day deals, freebies and closings

Veterans Day is on Monday, Nov. 11. If you’re a vet, here’s where you can score great deals and freebies at restaurants — as well as a list of what will be closed.

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Man blows bugle at Veterans Day ceremony

Bruce Christiansen plays the bugle during a 2005 Veterans Day ceremony in La Grange. Both the village and the Robert E. Coulter, Jr. American Legion Post 1941 plan events to honor veterans this year.

Scott Hardesty

Veterans Day falls on the second Monday in November this year. The federal holiday is celebrated every year on Nov. 11, regardless of the day of the week it falls on.

First recognized as Armistice Day in 1919, Veterans Day marks the date when Germany and the allies signed a 1918 agreement to cease World War I hostilities. The fighting ceased on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, saying: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.”

In 1938, Congress passed a law to mark Nov. 11 as a legal holiday. In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a law that changed the name to its current form.

While the holiday was celebrated on the fourth Monday of October for much of the 1970s, President Gerald Ford signed a bill that returned the observance to Nov. 11 beginning in 1978.

Today, Veterans Day celebrates all those who served honorably in the military, whether in war or peace, whereas Memorial Day is for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country.

If you are a veteran, you can score great deals at stores and restaurants around the city. Here’s a short list of where to eat and shop:

Veterans Day 2019 deals and freebies

7-Eleven: Veterans with a Veterans Advantage account can link their account to the convenience store chain’s 7Rewards loyalty program to get special offers including a free cup of coffee for Veterans Day. Learn more at www.7-eleven.com.

Applebee’s: Free meal from a special menu Monday.

Bakers Square: Free Rise & Shine meal Monday.

Bar Louie: Free burger or flatbread up to $15 Monday.

Bob Evans: Free meal from a special menu Monday.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: 20% off food and retail purchases Monday.

California Pizza Kitchen: Free meal from a special menu Monday.

Chili’s Grill & Bar: Free meal from special menu Monday.

Chipotle Mexican Grill: Buy-one-get-one free Monday, in-restaurant only. 

Chuck E. Cheese: Free personal one-topping pizza Monday. 

Cicis: Free adult buffet for veterans with military ID and coupon.

Cracker Barrel: Free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake or Pumpkin Pie Latte.

Denny’s: Free “Biuild Your Own Grand Slam” from 5 a.m. to noon Monday. Dine-in only.

Dunkin’: Free doughnut Monday.

Fogo de Chão: 50% off meal Veterans’ Day weekend Friday through Monday and 10% off for up to three guests’ meals.

Giordano’s: Ongoing 20% discount on food orders for veterans and military personnel with valid military ID card. 

IHOP: Free red, white and blueberry pancake combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.

Insomnia Cookies: Free traditional cookie Monday through 3 a.m. Nov. 18. 

Iron Skillet: Free meal Monday.

Jet’s Pizza: 50% off any menu-priced pizza with military ID. Pickup only, not for online orders.

Little Caesars: Free Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday.

Noodles & Company: Ongoing 15% discount for veterans daily. 

Olive Garden: Free entree from a select menu Monday. 

Outback Steakhouse: Through Monday, Outback has a 20% heroes discount for military members, police officers, firefighters and first responders. There’s also a 10% everyday Heroes Discount for servicemen and women, police officers and firefighters.

Peet’s: Free drip coffee or tea for veterans Monday.

Pilot Flying J: Free breakfast and coffee offer for veterans and military on the Pilot Flying J app.

Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert Monday for dining in and takeout orders picked up in-restaurant Monday.

Red Robin: Free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with fries Monday.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery: Free meal from special menu Monday.

Starbucks: Veterans, active service members and their spouses receive a free cup of coffee Monday.

White Castle: Free combo meal Monday. 

Yard House: Free appetizer Monday.

All of these locations have 20 or more locations nationwide. Other local restaurants may be running promotions as well.

What will be opened and closed?

Veterans Day is a federal holiday, but some places will be open. Here’s what will be open and closed near you.

Banks: Many banks, including Federal Reserve Banks, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, will be closed. TD Bank will be open, though.

Mail services: The U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail on Monday, and post offices will be closed. UPS will continue package delivery, though some stores may be closed. FedEx will also deliver, with modified service of FedEx SmartPost.

Schools: Most schools will be closed, including public schools in New York City and Los Angeles, but some might choose to remain open.

Libraries: Most public libraries will be closed, though some cities may leave select libraries open. Check with your branch of the Chicago Public Library for more information.

Stock markets: The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will remain open.

Federal offices: All non-essential federal government offices are closed.

National parks: National parks will remain open and are waiving all entrance fees to parks. 

Courts: Courts will be closed.

Retail businesses: Most department stores and retail shops will be open. Most restaurants will also remain open.

Grocery stores: Most grocery stores will remain open. 

Garbage: Some garbage and recycling collection may be delayed or moved to Tuesday in some cities. Check with local providers. 

Read more at USAToday.com

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