Veterans Day is observed on November 11, a day initially known as Armistice Day, which was established in 1919. This day commemorates the historic moment of November 11, 1918, when World War I ended at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
On Veterans Day, numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and fast-casual dining establishments express their gratitude to veterans and active-duty U.S. military personnel by offering various discounts and promotions, often providing free or reduced-price meals. It’s worth noting that most of these establishments typically request verification of military service, and the types of identification required vary among businesses.
What type of ID do you need to prove you’re a veteran?
According to information from Military.com, people currently serving in the military, including those in the Guard or Reserve, or military dependents, can easily show their veteran status by presenting their official military ID card. Those who receive VA health benefits typically possess a VA benefits photo ID card, which is also accepted as proof of veteran status by many businesses.
In 2017, the Department of Veterans Affairs introduced a new ID program for all honorably discharged veterans in accordance with a congressional directive from 2015. This veteran ID card is provided free of charge to veterans who apply for it, though it does not serve as an official federal ID. The primary purpose of this program is to offer veterans a means to demonstrate their service to private businesses.
For veterans with DD-214 documents, these can be used as proof of service at numerous businesses. The VA’s veteran ID card program was introduced to reduce the necessity of carrying the DD-214 form.
In some states, there is the option of adding a veteran designation to driver’s licenses. It is advisable to inquire with your state’s driver’s license office to determine if this option is available.
Additionally, several online businesses extend discounts to veterans, often using verification platforms like ID.me. Users are typically required to register once and provide supporting documents to prove their veteran status or other affiliations, such as with law enforcement. These businesses rely on ID.me to verify users before applying the offered discounts.
Not all franchise locations participate in national chain Veterans Day programs, so it’s a good idea to contact your nearest establishment to check if they offer these discounts.
Take a look at some of the places offering Veterans Day deals, discounts, and freebies.
