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Many restaurant chains across the United States are offering food sales and discounts to veterans and active-duty military on Tuesday, November 11th in honor of Veterans Day.
Chains like Texas Roadhouse, Applebee’s, Chipotle, Krispy Kreme, and Starbucks are offering deals especially on November 11th. Most Veterans Day sales require a veteran, military, or military-dependent identification document (such as a Veterans ID card or a DD214 card showing time served). There are also many benefits exclusive to dine-in customers. Be sure to contact your local location to confirm participation.
According to Chick-fil-A’s website, each restaurant is owned and operated by a local franchise owner, so available discounts are “at the discretion of the owner-operator and vary by location.” The company said some local restaurants may choose to offer free meals, sandwiches or discounts in honor of Veterans Day and other holidays, but this is not guaranteed at all locations.
“Please check with your local Chick-fil-A restaurant for hours of operation and holiday discounts through the Chick-fil-A app, the restaurant’s social media pages, or by contacting us directly,” the Chick-fil-A website says.
Origin of Veterans Day
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the origins of Veterans Day, a federal holiday, date back to November 11, 1918, when the Suspension of Hostilities, or armistice, between the Allies and Germany went into effect at 11 a.m. on November 11.
“November 11, 1918 is therefore generally regarded as the end of the ‘war to end all wars,'” according to the agency’s website. Veterans Day is still observed on November 11th, regardless of the day of the week.
When Armistice Day became a federal holiday in 1938, many states had already begun celebrating it. In 1954, Congress, with support from veterans organizations, changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day. President Eisenhower signed the bill on June 1, 1954, according to History.com.
The purpose of the day is “a celebration honoring America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and service and sacrifice for the common good,” the Department of Veterans Affairs says on its website.
Contributor: Mike Snider, USA TODAY
Gabe Hauari is USA TODAY’s national trends news reporter. You can follow him at X @gabehauari Or email Gdhauari@gannett.com.
