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Veterans Day is a holiday that is especially important in communities that have a large concentration of military personnel. It doesn't matter whether they are active duty, veterans, retired military personnel, members of the Reserves or the National Guard; the community rallies around these people to show their support for what they do or have done in the past, and to honor the sacrifices made by those who are no longer with us.

All over the country, businesses large and small, and in particular, businesses with large franchises take advantage of the opportunity to show their appreciation for the members of our Armed Forces.

Here are some of the current free and substantially discounted offers for veterans, retired or active duty military personnel. For most of these offers, it is necessary to show a U.S. Uniformed Services Identification Card, a U.S. Uniformed Services Retired Identification card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES,) or a card from a Veterans organization such as the American Legion or the VFW.

*APPLEBEES RESTAURANTS -

On November 11, Veterans can order one of six free meals at Applebees. the choices include:

1. A 7 ounce steak
2. A bacon burger
3. A chicken tenders platter
4. Oriental chicken salad
5. Lime chicken
6. Three cheese penne

*OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE RESTAURANTS -

At participating Outback Steakhouse restaurants, veterans can get a free blooming onion and a beverage. The offer also applies to all active duty military personnel.

*GOLDEN CORRAL -

On Monday November 16, 2009 from 5 PM to 9 PM, Golden Corral Restaurants will serve free meals to veterans, retirees, active duty military personnel, members of the Reserves and members of the National Guard. These restaurants are packed from the moment the offer begins, so if you intend to visit one of these restaurants, you would be wise to arrive long in advance. Parking is a big issue.

*KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS-

On Veterans Day, Krispy Kreme is offering free donuts for veterans and military personnel. With proper identification, each member of the military will be allowed to choose one free donut of any flavor.

*UNO GRILLE CHICAGO-

Active duty, retired military personnel and veterans can enjoy a free personal pizza or entree with the purchase of another personal pizza or entree of equal or greater value. Show up in uniform or show your military ID and the offer will be honored.

*MASALA WOK -

Masala Wok restaurants in Northern Virginia (near Washington D.C.) are offering a free entree to Veterans on November 11, 2009.

*HY-VEE SUPERMARKETS -

On Veterans Day, Hy-Vee stores that have eat in dining services are offering veterans a free breakfast between the hours of 7 AM and 11 AM. The breakfast is a buffet, and some stores will have entertainment, displays and other activities.

*KNOTTS BERRY FARM -

From November 1 - 27, Veterans, retired and active duty military personnel are entitled to free admission for themselves and a guest atKnotts Berry Farm. A maximum of six additional tickets can be purchased for $15 each.

*LOWES -

Up until November 12, Lowes Companies, Inc. is offering active duty, reserve, honorably discharged and retired military personnel and their immediate family a 10% discount on purchases made in U.S. stores over the Veterans Day holiday. The offer is available on in stock or special order purchases of up to $5,000. Online sales, previous sales and purchases of services or gift cards are all excluded from the discount.

*HOME DEPOT -

Between 11/5 and 11/11/2009, Home Depot is offering a 10% discount on in store purchases with a maximum discount of $200. It is also valid at the Design Center locations and Expo Design locations. It is available for a single item purchased.


*DISNEY WORLD -

Disney World is offering active duty, veterans and retired members of the U.S. Military a complimentary 5 day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket that offers Park Hopper, Water Park Fun and other options. There are restrictions. There is also a 40% discount on lodging. The ticket must be used by December 23, 2009.

This is just some of the free offers that are available to veterans, retired military and active duty military members. Some of these offers are regional, but most apply to all of the stores or restaurants that are owned by the respective companies. Many local communities have special offers for their veterans and there are countless memorial services at military cemeteries, VA Hospitals, War Memorials and other military facilities and installations.

Learn more about this author, Theresa Rose.
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