Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11, 2026. That's the big day for free meals. But some of the best military savings work all year. Here's both, plus how to prove your service so you don't get turned away.
Veterans Day freebies
Chili's, Applebee's, Denny's, Outback, Red Robin, Chipotle and more have Veterans Day offers. Each one has its own rules, like dine-in only, morning hours only, or a minimum purchase. I keep them all on the calendar with the catch written out, so check there.
National parks are also free for everyone on November 11. That's a fee-free day for US citizens and residents. Timed-entry and reservation fees can still apply.
Free national parks pass, all year
- Military Annual Pass: free for current members of the US Armed Forces and their dependents.
- Military Lifetime Pass: free for veterans, including National Guard and Reserve, and for Gold Star Families.
Both cover entrance fees and standard day-use fees at lands run by the National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, BLM, Bureau of Reclamation and Army Corps of Engineers. The pass covers you plus one private car, or you plus three people 16 and older where parks charge per person. It does not cover camping, tours or reservation fees.
Ways to get it:
- In person: show your ID at a federal recreation site. No fee.
- Digital: free on Recreation.gov. A physical card from there costs $7.50 shipping.
- USGS Store: a $10 processing fee, and the card takes weeks to arrive.
Gold Star Families don't need ID. They self-certify on the USGS Store or bring a printed Gold Star Voucher from nps.gov.
My tip: get the free digital pass on Recreation.gov. It costs nothing and you can use it right away.
Home Depot and Lowe's
| Store | Discount | Who | How to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | 10% off eligible items, in store and online | Veterans, active service members and spouses | SheerID, then your Home Depot account |
| Lowe's | 10% off eligible items | Military members and veterans (check Lowe's for who else qualifies) | ID.me, then your MyLowe's Rewards account |
- Home Depot: once you're verified, your account shows your military status. Have the app open at checkout. These rules are from Home Depot's 2022 announcement, so ask in store if anything changed.
- Lowe's: sign up at Lowes.com/military. It doesn't work on sale items, services, major appliances, gift cards, past purchases, or items like lumber, plywood and electrical wire. You can't stack it with other discounts.
How to prove your service
The VA says you only need one of these to show you're a veteran:
- Veteran ID Card (VIC): a digital photo ID made for discounts. You apply online at VA.gov. You need an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge.
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC): for people enrolled in VA health care.
- DoD ID card: for retirees, active duty, National Guard and Reserve.
- Veteran designation on your driver's license or state ID: all 50 states and Puerto Rico offer it. Most ask for your DD214 or similar papers. Ask your state DMV.
My tip: if you don't have any of these yet, apply for the free VIC on VA.gov. Some Veterans Day offers also take a DD-214, so check each one on the calendar.
Participating locations only. Most restaurant offers are at participating locations. Call ahead if you're not sure.