Veterans Day Deals Roll In as Truckers For Troops Keeps Rolling

Veterans Day promotions in 2026 will give veterans and active-duty military members access to free meals, discounts and other offers, while truckers can support veterans through a discounted OOIDA membership campaign benefiting Truckers For Troops.

OOIDA membership offer supports Truckers For Troops

New and renewing members of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association can receive a discounted membership rate of $35 through Nov. 15. Ten percent of each membership fee will be donated to Truckers For Troops.

The annual program, which began in 2007, is intended to support veterans and military families. The campaign encourages professional drivers and other members of the trucking community to contribute during Veterans Day week.

Veterans Day restaurant offers

Veterans Day will be observed on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. Restaurants and other businesses nationwide are expected to offer free meals, beverages, discounts and other promotions for veterans and active-duty service members.

Many offers are limited to dine-in service and may require proof of military service. Participation, eligibility requirements and menu options can vary by location.

• Bill Miller Bar-B-Q: Eligible veterans can choose from four dine-in combo meals, including a poor boy sandwich with fries and a large tea; three pieces of fried chicken with fries, a dinner roll and a large tea; a regular plate with one meat, three sides and a large tea; or three chicken tenders with fries, a dinner roll and a large tea. One meal may be claimed per veteran.
• Food City: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free hot bar meal consisting of an entrée, two sides and a roll, along with a 21-ounce fountain drink. The offer is available from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at participating locations, with a stated value of up to $9.98.
• Shoney’s: Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a free Legendary Breakfast Bar at participating locations from opening until 11 a.m.
• Other national chains: Applebee’s, Chili’s, Denny’s, Golden Corral, Olive Garden, Red Robin, Starbucks, Wendy’s and IHOP are among the brands offering Veterans Day meals or discounts at participating locations.

Additional military discounts and giveaways

Veterans and military members may also find free haircuts, car washes, retail discounts and attraction offers. Some promotions require a purchase, proof of service or an early arrival, and many are available only while supplies last.

AAFES is scheduled to offer several commemorative giveaways during November, including Veteran for Life keychains on Nov. 7, challenge coins on Nov. 11 and service-specific penny POGS on Nov. 20.

Observing Veterans Day

Veterans Day honors Americans who have served in the U.S. military. The federal holiday was formerly known as Armistice Day and was first observed nationally in 1919.

Veterans and military members should confirm availability, eligibility rules and operating hours with individual businesses before visiting, as offers may be restricted to participating locations and may not be combined with other discounts or coupons.