Oklahoma is undoubtedly one of the most patriotic states in the country. We have a special connection with the people who we see every day at the military installments all around the state. As Veterans Day approaches, folks in Oklahoma are taking the chance to give back to the men and women who've served in our nation's military.

The Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day

@awmcarnival #veteransday vs. #memorialday vs. #armedforcesday. The more you know! #militarytiktok #armyveteran #femaleveterans #thankyouforuourservice ♬ original sound - AWM

Every year, when Memorial Day comes in May, some veterans struggle with accepting "thanks" when really the day is meant to remember those who've fallen in the line of duty. Veterans Day specifically is the day that people should take the time to thank the men and women still with us today.

That's not to say veterans aren't grateful for the appreciation; it's just not the way the day is meant to be remembered. But since Veterans Day is dedicated to giving back, here's exactly how some Oklahoma businesses have planned to do it.

Business Specials For Veterans Day

Different businesses will be offering specials for Veterans. Make sure to have your military I.D. with you when you visit.

  • Applebees - Free lunch or dinner, dine-in only
  • Buffalo Wild Wings - 10 Free Boneless wings and fries (dine in, order at the counter, or from a Buffalo GO location)
  • Chili's - Free meal, dine-in only
  • Denny's - Free original Grand Slam breakfast for Retired and Active Military
  • Dunkin Donuts - Offering a free donut for service members, both retired and active
  • Golden Corral - Free "Thank you" meal on Nov. 11 from 5 p.m. - close
  • Little Caesar's - Military members can enjoy a free lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 11, 2024
  • Olive Garden - Offering service members a complimentary entree from special menu
  • Texas Roadhouse - Dine in between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Nov. 11, 2024 and receive a free meal voucher
  • Outback Steakhouse - 10% off meal every day for military members
  • Red Lobster - Offering service members a free Veteran’s Shrimp & Chip
  • Red Robin - Veterans dine in on Veterans Day and get a free Red's Big Tavern Burger
  • Cici's Pizza - Veterans and Active Duty eat free
  • Starbucks - Offering a free tall brewed coffee, iced or hot, for Veterans and Active Duty
  • Freddy's - Active and Retired Military can receive a meal card for any combo meal of their choice
  • Krispy Kreme - Serving free donut and coffee for Veterans and Active Duty
  • Main Event - Offering free double cheeseburger and 30 minute fun card for service members
  • On The Border - Service members get a free pick two combo on Veterans Day, dine-in only
  • Billy Sims BBQ - Offering a free pulled pork sandwich, a side and a regular drink to service members on Veterans Day
  • Scooters Coffee - Offering a free medium drink to service members
  • Cracker Barrel - Service members can receive a 25% discount on apparel and a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special on Veterans Day
  • IHOP - Active and Retired Military members get a free Red, White and Blue Pancake combo on Veterans Day

For more offers happening on Veterans Day this year, you can find a complete list on the American Legion website.

Special Events

Various other organizations and businesses are hosting special events and offers for our military. Like Innhabit in Medicine Park, Oklahoma, who offered a free stay for a few families to come and stay in their container home resort.

Other military-related businesses are also hosting special ceremonies, like VFW Post 4876 who is holding a ceremony with a lunch and dessert being served afterwards.

If you live in Oklahoma, you're more than likely near a military base, organization or group of supporters wanting to show their appreciation next week. Take the time to thank those who've served our country. And for those who have served us, thank you.

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