Veterans Day 2024 Free Meals, Deals and Discounts for 2024 in Illinois – NBC Chicago

While the federal holiday of Veterans Day on Monday, November 11th means many state and federal businesses and offices will remain closed, several retailers are offering discounts, deals and free gifts to veterans as well as active military members and their families to honor those who served have our country.

Most on-site discounts require proof of service, such as a military ID or veterans organization membership card. Online discounts may require registration with ID.me to verify the service.

Here’s a roundup of Veterans Day freebies and offers in the Chicago area:

Applebee’s

Veterans and active military members can score a free entry from a special menu at Applebee’s on Monday.

Auto Nation

All active duty US military personnel, US military veterans and their spouses receive a 20% discount on all in-store services as participating AutoNation locations.

BIBIBOP Asian grill

Free bowl with military ID.

Buffalo Wild Wings

All former and current military members with valid ID can receive 10 free wings and boneless fries.

Chilies

Chili’s offers service members a free meal for in-restaurant dining. Options include soup and salad, boneless wings and more.

Dunkin’

Veterans and active military members can score a free donut at participating Dunkin’ locations on Monday.

Golden corral

All Golden Corral locations offer a free buffet and beverages to all current U.S. service members, retired military personnel and veterans from 4:00 p.m. until closing time.

IHOP

The Pancake House will thank veterans and active military members with a free batch on Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Kohl’s

All veterans and active military receive 30% off their in-store purchases.

Rainbow cones

Participating Rainbow Cone locations are offering a free classic sundae to all veterans and active military members.

Starbucks

Free large brew coffee for veterans, military members and military spouses

National Parks Free on Veterans Day

Although some businesses are closed on Veterans Day, national parks are open and free to all visitors. “The National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our veterans by visiting a National Park Service website free of charge on Veterans Day (November 11),” the NPS says.

Why do we celebrate Veterans Day?

The federal holiday of Veterans Day falls on Monday, November 11th for 2024. The day honoring living veterans who have served in the military dates back to 1919.

The holiday arose to commemorate Armistice Day, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, when fighting between the Allied countries and Germany ended in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was supposed to be the end of the “war to end all wars” and always falls on November 11th, no matter what day of the week that date falls on.

President Woodrow Wilson opened the first celebration in 1919 with parades and a brief pause in business beginning at 11 a.m

In 2023, the holiday fell on a Saturday, with many observations taking place on the Friday before. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, it is celebrated on Monday.

Are Chicago schools open on Veterans Day?

Every year, the federal holiday Veterans Day falls on November 11th. This year, that day falls on a Monday, meaning the United States Post Office, as well as many banks and federal courthouses, will remain closed.

But what about the schools?

According to the Illinois State Board of Education, Veterans Day is not considered a “statutory school holiday.” However, the board notes that districts can choose to celebrate. In these cases, the district considers this a “non-attendance day,” meaning “no student is engaged in learning as determined by the local school board.”

Other “not present” days include Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Lincoln’s birthday, Casmir Pulaski Day and Columbus Day, according to the board.

According to the Chicago Public Schools 2024-25 calendar, Veterans Day is not considered a holiday, meaning school is in session.

Banks, Post Office and More: What’s Open and Closed on Veterans Day

Because Veterans Day is a federal holiday, no mail will be delivered and the United States Postal Service will be closed on Monday.

Likewise, many banks will be closed, as will federal courts and non-essential government offices. The new

In Illinois, driver’s license offices and other Department of State offices are closing. Other businesses such as retail stores and grocery stores are expected to be open, but hours may vary.

Chicago events commemorating Veterans Day

In honor of Veterans Day 2024, numerous events will take place across the Chicago area on Monday, including one of the region’s largest memorial ceremonies at Soldier Field on Monday morning.

Built in 1919, Chicago’s stadium was originally called Municipal Grant Park Stadium. However, on November 11, 1925, at the request of the Chicago Gold Star Mothers, it was renamed Soldier Field to honor those killed in combat.

“Veterans Day is an honorable time to honor the courage and sacrifice of all who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a news release about Monday’s event. “We recognize veterans here in Chicago and across the country for their resilience and determination.”

According to the press release, the Honorable William J. Walker, the 38th Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 117th Congress, will deliver the keynote address at the Soldier Field event.

Previously, General Walker served as the 23rd commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG), the release said.

The event will also officially recognize Chicago as a “Purple Heart City,” joining the ranks of cities across the country that honor the sacrifices of those wounded or killed in combat, the release said.

The event, which includes musical performances, a ceremonial wreath-laying ceremony and more, begins at 11 a.m