***Please note due to ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic the discounts listed below may not be available. However, because these companies have historically offered discounts, they may still offer a version of what appears below.***
Memorial Day serves as a reminder of our servicemembers 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 VA healthcare ID card, drivers license with veterans designation, membership card for a veterans organization (DAV, VFW, American Legion, etc.), or similar form of ID.
Free Activities for Military Members and Their Families
Blue Star Museums: Over 2,000 museums in the US America offer free museum admission to active duty military members and their families, valid from Memorial Day through Labor Day. See a full list of participating museums.
VetTix: VetTix is an organization that offers free event tickets to military members, 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 on this article about VetTix.
Other Free Activities for Military Families: Many of the activities in the following list can be found year round. Be sure to check with your local base MWR location, your state veterans website, or your local county for other activities. Free activities for military families.
Restaurants – Free Meals and Discounts
***Please note these discounts are offered annually, but may not be available in every location due to the Coronavirus restaurant closures. Please check with your local restaurant before your purchase.***
Fogo de Chão. Current and former servicemembers receive 50% off their meal, and up to 3 guests will receive a 10% discount. Restrictions may apply; ID required.
Hooter’s. Monday, May 29: Free entrée from a special Memorial Day menu, Valid for military veterans, active duty military & spouses. Valid only at select Hooters locations in the U.S.
Marie Callender’s. Free Magnificent Six breakfast for current and former military members with your Military ID or proof of service. Call ahead to verify participation.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks. Complimentary lunch or dinner entree for all active members of the U.S. Military, National Guard and Veterans. Items may vary by location.
Twin Peaks. Free menu item from Twin Peaks Memorial Day Appreciation Menu. Valid for current and former military members, police, firefighters and first responders.
Memorial Day Military Discounts at Retail Locations
Cell Phone Discounts: Many cell phone 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 cell phone discounts page for more information.
Food Lion: 10% discount at all of its stores. To receive the discount, active military, veterans and their families should present their personal MVP card and military I.D. at checkout and request the discount. Customers will then receive 10 percent off their grocery bill.
Helzberg Diamonds 10% Military Appreciation Discount. Valid on purchases made in stores and online.
Home Depot: 10% discount, up to $500. Valid for all current and former military on Memorial Day weekend. Home Depot offers military discounts to all veterans on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day, and offers discounts year-round to current military, retirees, and disabled veterans (with ID). Learn more at our Home Depot Military Discount page.
Lowe’s: Lowe’s offers a 10% military discount to all current and former military members year-round – not just on the 3 major military holidays: Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day. Lowe’s does require servicemembers 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 for $9.95 through the Microsoft Home Use Program Military Discount.
Rosetta Stone: 10% Military Discount available to military, veterans, reservists and National Guard. Save 10% on Rosetta Stone’s lowest pricing on award-winning language software.
Under Armour: 15% for Memorial Day discount. Valid for current and former military. Under Armour offers a 10% military discount during for rest of 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, retail, etc. that can easily pay for the cost of membership many times over. Learn more on our Veterans Advantage review, or
Military Travel Discounts
Memorial Day is also recognized by many as the unofficial start of summer. School is out for many people, 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.
- Expedia: Complimentary +Gold Status through February 2021 (for those who apply before 12/31/2019). Available to active duty, Guard Reserve, retirees, and veterans. The +Gold tier is the highest Expedia membership tier. It offers exclusive benefits such as complimentary amenities and room upgrades upon availability at more than 2,000 +VIP Access hotels, a 30-percent increase in bonus points for booked trips, travel discounts, and more. Sign up free here.
I hope you and your family have a safe and happy Memorial Day. To everyone who has either served, loved someone who has served, or otherwise supported our country in any capacity, I salute you. To those who gave the Ultimate Sacrifice, words cannot express what our country owes you.
Image credit: Stock Unlimited.
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!