WASHINGTON — Monday is Veterans Day in the U.S., an annual holiday to honor those who have served in the military.
The federal holiday, which falls on Nov. 11 each year, is linked to the end of World War I and wasn't officially called Veterans Day until 1954.
Because it's a federal holiday, many government-related offices will be closed, including the post office and banks. But businesses typically remain open, and some are offering discounts or freebies to veterans as a way of showing thanks.
Here are some of the best deals for Veterans Day 2024
Applebee's - Veterans and active duty military personnel can receive a free meal from a select menu by dining in at a participating location on Nov. 11.
BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse - On Nov. 11, veterans who dine in at BJ's can get a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie as a dessert with no minimum purchase, as well as a coupon for a free appetizer.
Chili's - The restaurant chain is offering free meals to veterans at participating restaurants. To redeem, just show a valid military ID.
Denny's - Veterans can get a free Original Grand Slam on Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. to noon by presenting their valid military ID or DD214.
Outback Steakhouse - Active-duty military and veterans get a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entree when dining in on Nov. 11.
Dunkin' - Want a donut? Dunkin' is offering active and retired military personnel a free donut on Nov. 11, with a limit of one per guest while supplies last.
Golden Corral - All current U.S. service members, retired military and veterans, will receive a free buffet and drink from 4 p.m. until close at all Golden Corral locations on Monday, Nov. 11.
Hooters - All retired and active-duty military, who present proof of service or a military ID, with purchase of a beverage, may order one free meal from a special Veterans Day menu. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating Hooters locations.
Olive Garden - In the mood for some Italian? Olive Garden is offering those that dine-in on Nov. 11 a complimentary entrée from a special menu.
IHOP - The International House of Pancakes is celebrating Veterans Day by giving free Red White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo meals to any veterans who come in on Nov. 11 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Little Caesars - Veterans can snag a free Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of deep dish pizza and a 20-oz drink, anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Nov. 11.
Cracker Barrel - Veterans and active-duty service members get a free "Sunrise Pancake Special" at all locations, available for dine-in guests. Cracker Barrel is offering 25% off military-themed apparel in-store and online through Nov. 11.
Starbucks - Veterans and military spouses can go to any participating Starbucks location on Nov. 11 for a free tall coffee, either brewed or iced.
Wendy's - Veterans and active duty military personnel can get a free Breakfast Combo on Nov. 11 during the restaurant's breakfast hours at participating locations.
Why is Veterans Day on November 11?
During World War I, the fighting ended on Nov. 11, 1918 when an armistice went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Nearly twenty years later, legislation passed on May 13, 1938, officially making Nov. 11 of each year a federal holiday, originally known as "Armistice Day," the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains on its website.
The holiday was first created to honor veterans of World War I, but then in 1954, the original legislation was amended to change the holiday's name to Veterans Day, to honor American veterans of all wars.
What is closed on Veterans Day 2024?
As is usually the case for federal holidays, the U.S. Postal Service will be taking a break from delivering mail on Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day this year. Post offices across the U.S. will be closed for the holiday and mail delivery will be paused.
As the V.A. notes, sometimes when Veterans Day falls on a weekday some communities will choose to hold parades and celebrations on the weekend before or after so that even more people can participate.
Will banks be open on Veterans Day?
Most banks — including major banks such as Chase and Wells Fargo — are closed on Veterans Day, because they fall under the Federal Reserve, which is taking the day off as a government agency. Online banking services will still be in operation, with limited access to a live representative in many cases. ATMs should also remain accessible.
Is the stock market open on Veterans Day?
Unlike banks, the New York Stock Exchange doesn't close on Veterans Day. Wall Street will have a full day of trading and operate as usual on Monday.
National Parks: National parks across the country will not only be open on Veterans Day, but admission will be free, according to the National Parks Service.
Stores and Restaurants: Most places of business remain open on Veterans Day, although some may have reduced hours.
How is Veterans Day different from Memorial Day?
In the United States, Memorial Day's purpose is to honor military members who have died, while Veterans Day recognizes the service of all America's veterans.
In 2024, Memorial Day was observed on Monday, May 27. Veterans Day will be observed on Nov. 11.