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Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the discounts listed below may not be available at all locations. Please contact your local establishment for more information.
Memorial Day serves as a reminder of our service members who paid the ultimate price and gave their lives in defense of our nation. Remembering their legacy and sacrifice is the best way we can honor them. Many companies, restaurants and other organizations also use Memorial Day to honor military members and veterans for their service. The following is a list of some military discounts and activities that are available to military members, veterans and in some cases, their families.
Military Discount Eligibility: Please keep in mind the following list is based on our research, and participation may vary. Most discounts are only valid with proper proof of service, which may include a military ID card, veterans ID card or veteran health care ID card, driver’s license or state ID with veterans designation, a membership card for a veterans’ organization (Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, etc.) or similar form of ID.
Free Activities for Military Members and Their Families
Blue Star Museums. More than 2,000 museums in the U.S. offer free museum admission to active-duty military members and their families between Memorial Day and Labor Day. See a full list of participating museums.
VetTix. VetTix offers free event tickets to military members and veterans and their families. Availability varies based on the event, location and other factors. The best way to keep up to date is to sign up for an account and their mailing list. We have more information in this article about VetTix.
Other Free Activities for Military Families. Many of these activities are available year-round. Check with your local base Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) location, your state veterans website or your local county for other activities.
Restaurants – Free Meals and Discounts
Please note that due to the coronavirus pandemic and local restrictions, these discounts may not be available in every location. Please check with your local restaurant for more information.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. Treat a hero to a free meal on Memorial Day. When you dine with a veteran, active-duty service member or Gold Star family, their meal is free. (The value of the free entree must be equal to or less than yours.)
Fogo de Chão. This Memorial Day, any veteran or active-duty personnel who dines in at Fogo will receive 50% off their meal, and up to three guests will receive 10% off their meal. *Restrictions apply. Participating locations only.
Joe’s Crab Shack. Parties of up to four people will receive a 15% discount. Valid for all active members of the U.S. Military, National Guard and veterans, with ID. Dine-in only.
LaMar’s Donuts. Free doughnuts and coffee for all active, retired and veteran service members.
McCormick & Schmick’s. Parties of up to four people receive a 15% discount. Valid for all active members of the U.S. Military, National Guard and veterans, with ID. Dine-in only.
Miller’s Ale House. Military members and veterans who provide proof of service receive 50% off their entrée of choice on Memorial Day.
Mission BBQ. Military members receive a free sandwich on May 21, as well as on a designated day for each branch of service in May: Army, May 16; Marine Corps, May 17; Navy, May 18; Air Force and Space Force, May 19 and Coast Guard, May 20.
Memorial Day Military Discounts at Retail Locations
Academy Sports + Outdoors. First responders, veterans and active-duty military members receive 10% off their entire purchase, both in-store and online, from May 2 through July 5.
Cellphone Discounts. Many cellphone providers offer special deals and discounts for current and former military. The specific details are too long to cover in this article, so please check out our military cellphone discounts page for more information or the following specific providers:
Helzberg Diamonds. A 10% military appreciation discount is valid for purchases made in stores and online. It is available to all active duty, military retirees, disabled veterans and registered dependents of active duty/retirees.
Home Depot. All current and former military can receive a 10% discount, up to $500, on Memorial Day weekend. Home Depot offers military discounts to all veterans on Memorial Day, July 4 and Veterans Day, as well as discounts year-round to current military, retirees and disabled veterans (with ID).
Lowe’s. Lowe’s offers a 10% military discount to all current and former military members year-round on eligible items. Lowe’s requires service members and veterans to sign up for the MyLowe’s program and verify military affiliation via their system. Once verified, you only need to give your email address or phone number to get the discount. Some restrictions apply. Learn more at our Lowe’s Military Discount page.
Microsoft Home Use Program. Active-duty military, Guard and reserve members can purchase the entire Microsoft Office suite at 30% off through the Microsoft Home Use Program Military Discount.
Oakley Standard Issue. Oakley SI has a 45% sitewide Memorial Day sale, plus free shipping.
Rosetta Stone. Military, veterans, reservists and National Guard can save 10% on Rosetta Stone’s lowest pricing on award-winning language software.
Under Armour. Military (current and former), first responders, nurses and teachers receive a 10% military discount all year (and sometimes offers greater discounts around military-related holidays).
Veterans Advantage. Veterans Advantage is a discount club open to current and former military members. There is a membership fee to join, but members are eligible for a variety of discounts including travel, insurance and retail, which can easily pay for the cost of membership many times over.
Military Travel Discounts
Memorial Day is aMany recognize Memorial Day as the unofficial start of summer. School is out for many, and many people take summer vacations. Here are some tips for finding military travel discounts and some discounts you can use now or throughout the year.
- Armed Forces Vacation Club – Military Travel Discounts
- Disney World Park Hopper Pass Military Discount
Have a safe and happy Memorial Day.
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David Guith, Maj USAF-Ret says
Home Depot now gives the discount to all military if you register. A big however. They don’t on sale prices and they never have unlike Lowes. HD will start with the regular price on line and then use your military discount to get to the sale price. NO MILITARY DISCOUNT. No one owes us anything, but there should be honesty. Just say the discount doesn’t apply on sale items. Is that tooooooooooomuch to ask HD???????
Steven says
Ryan,
Two of my favorites that you listed – Microsoft Home Use Program (HUP) and Veteran’s Advantage.
I’ve been taking advantage of the MS HUP for many years. In the past, they would sometimes offer specialty software. I bought Visio for $9.99 one year. Funny thing happened when I was getting ready to purchase this year though – AAFES had a sale on the MS Military Appreciate Edition. So I bought the AAFES version for half of the HUP cost.
I see that several people misunderstand the Veteran’s Advantage. It is not part of the Military or Veterans Administration. (If you’re not happy with your veteran benefits, take it up with these or your congress person.) Nobody is forcing them to join Veteran’s Advantage. It’s a club, like SAM’s Club. For a small membership cost, a person can save hundreds or thousands of dollars a year. For example, I save over $300 a year on AT&T.
Ryan Guina says
Thanks for sharing, Steven!
military scars says
Why are there always “catches” with any type of Military or Veteran organization. For example, the list above mentions Blue Star Museums yet you cannot see the list until you register. Why not GIVE the military member and Veterans the benefits without having to jump through the various hoops. It’s never easy with the DoD and VA. In fact, it’s best to stay clear of these FUBRed organizations for a decent peace of mind. In 2020, when technology and efficiency is prevalent throughout the U.S., defense organizations lack information and simplified processes. In any case, they will continue to target immigrant and low-income populations to achieve their mission at ANY COST! The worst mistake of my life was serving in the military. No one leaves the military without scars. God help this country!