Every November 11th the nation comes together to remember and honor the service and sacrifices of our veterans who have served time in the military. Restaurants and businesses like to thank veterans by offering special deals and discounts on this day.

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How The Day Originated

Veterans Day has its origins at the end of World War I when at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the fighting ended with the signing of an armistice. U.S. Soldiers celebrate the armistice that ended World War I, on November 11, 1918.

Events: Illinois Quad Cities

There are many events happening around the Quad Cities that are celebrating veterans.

MOLINE

The Quad City Storm will have a Salute to Military Night at their game against the Vermillion County Bobcats. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. and special Military Night jerseys will be worn during the game and auctioned live to raise money for QC Veterans Outreach and Seals Family Legacy.

There will be an enlistment ceremony on the ice at intermission and recognitions for service members throughout the game. Free tickets for active duty service members and veterans are available through the Rock Island Arsenal MWR while supplies last.

Soldier reunited with her son on a sunny day
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Rock Island

The Rock Island National Cemetery at Bldg, 118, Rock Island Arsenal is hosting a Veterans Day Ceremony starting at 1 p.m. CST on Nov. 11, 2022. The general officer from the Rock Island Arsenal will be the guest speaker.

Events: Iowa Quad Cities

Bettendorf

There will be a Veteran’s Day Ceremony on Friday, November 11, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 1645 23rd Street. Refreshments including coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies will be provided. The event is free and open to the public.

Davenport

The United States Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors will perform a free concert titled “The Greatest Generation” at the Adler Theatre, 136 E. Third Street in Davenport at 7:30 p.m. Call (563) 326-8555 for tickets or pick up tickets at the Leisure Travel Office in Building 333 on the Rock Island Arsenal.

Freebies

Bring your military ID to any of these participating locations and get a discount or freebie.

7-Eleven -- Veterans get a free Quarter-Pound Big Bite 100% all-beef hot dog on November 11. Available in-store and via delivery through the 7NOW app

Applebee's -- Active-duty military, veterans, Reserves, and National Guard receive a free meal when dining in from a special menu on November 11. And when dining in on November 11, military guests will receive a $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem for dine-in, To Go, or delivery within a three-week redemption window.

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Buffalo Wild Wings -- Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants will offer 10 free boneless wings and fries for all veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID on November 11.

Caribou Coffee -- Veterans, active military members and their spouses receive a free hot brewed coffee on November 11.

Casey's General Stores -- Service members past and present receive a free cup of coffee on November 11.

Charleys Philly Steaks -- Veterans and active-duty military get free gourmet fries in-store with no purchase necessary on November 11. In addition, Charleys’ locations on military bases are offering free gourmet fries with the purchase of a cheesesteak and drink for all customers.

Chili's -- Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Available for in-restaurant only.

Chuck E. Cheese -- On November 11, active-duty military, National Guard and veterans get a free personal 1-topping pizza with valid military ID or proof of military service. Not available for delivery.

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Cracker Barrel -- Veterans get a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake in-store or online on November 11.

Dollar General -- is giving 20% off total purchases in-store or online for veterans and active military and their family members.

Dunkin’ -- will be giving veterans and active military a free donut of their choice on November 11 at participating locations nationwide —no purchase or ID necessary.

Famous Dave's -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free Lunch Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and choice of side on November 11. When ordering online, use code ‘VETERAN’ to receive the discount. Must present valid proof of service at pickup. Not valid for Call-In Orders or Delivery.

Fareway -- is giving 15% off for veterans, active-duty military, and reserve and guard members on Veterans Day.

Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers -- Veterans and active military personnel who visit on November 11 will receive a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card that can be redeemed through November 30.

Golden Corral -- Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 14 from 5 pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.

Veterans of World War II at a Memorial Day service.
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Goodwill of the Heartland stores -- are offering a 20% discount all week for all active, reserve and veteran military members and their spouses.

Great Clips salon -- on Veterans Day will receive a free haircut card to give to an active/inactive/retired military member of any branch, including the National Guard.

Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream -- On Veterans Day, Happy Joe’s invites any veteran or acting military personnel to enjoy a complimentary Little Joe pizza of their choice for dine-in (where available) or carryout at participating Happy Joe's locations. Share a military hero’s story on Happy Joe’s Facebook page and the brand will randomly draw one name to win free pizza for a year (one large pizza a month for 12 months).

Hooters -- Active-duty military and veterans get a free entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu with the purchase of a beverage on November 11. Dine-in only.

Hy-Vee -- is offering a free breakfast to all veterans and active-duty military members. A buffet-style breakfast will be offered from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Hy-Vee stores. Free donuts and coffee will be offered to all veterans and active-duty military members at all Dollar Fresh Market locations. Additionally, veterans and active-duty military will receive 15% off their grocery purchase on Veterans Day when they shop at Hy-Vee in-store, through Hy-Vee Aisles Online or at Dollar Fresh Market locations using promo code HOMEFRONT15.

IHOP -- Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.

Little Caesars -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free Lunch Combo at participating stores on November 11, from 11 am to 2 pm. In-store only.

Lowe’s -- will offer all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10% discount on in-store purchases once they have joined their discount program.

A field of American flags set up for a Memorial Day parade
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Mission BBQ -- Veterans get a free sandwich on November 11.

Olive Garden -- is offering a free entrée from a special menu. Entrées are served with unlimited soup or house salad and garlic breadsticks for veterans and active-duty military; proof of service is required.

Putnam Museum and Science Center -- Free admission for any current or retired member of the U.S. armed services on Veterans Day.

Red Lobster -- Veterans, active-duty military, and reservists get a free Walt's Favorite Shrimp, Fries, and Coleslaw on November 11. The offer is available for dine-in and To-Go orders placed in-restaurant between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm local time.

Red Robin – Veterans and active-duty military get a free Red's Tavern Double when dining in on November 11. This classic burger also comes with free refills of Bottomless Steak Fries.

Starbucks -- As with previous years, Starbucks will offer a free tall (12-oz) hot brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses on November 11. As a new addition in 2022, Starbucks is expanding this offer to include a free tall (12-oz) iced coffee.

Staples -- will give all active-duty military personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans and their immediate families a 25% discount.

Taco John’s -- On Veteran’s Day, Veterans receive a free #1 Small Beef Combo (two crispy beef tacos) by entering VETERAN22 under the MORE tab in-app. You must be a Bigger Better Rewards Member to receive an offer. Show QR code to redeem in a restaurant or apply the offer to in-app mobile order.

Old and worn military dog tags - Thank You
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Walgreens -- is giving veterans, military, and their families a 20% off eligible regular-price items with myWalgreens in-store only.

Wendy’s -- Active-duty military and veterans get a free breakfast combo on November 11 at participating locations from 6:30 to 10:30 am.

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