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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 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, a 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, due to the Coronavirus 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 Monday, May 31, 2021. Dine with a veteran, active duty service member or Gold Star family and their lunch or dinner is our treat!* (Free entree equal to or less than your purchase).
Fogo de Chão. This Memorial Day, May 31, 2021, any veteran or active-duty personnel who dines in at Fogo will receive 50% off their meal and up to 3 guests will receive 10% off their meal. *Restrictions apply, participating locations only.
Joe’s Crab Shack. 15% discount for parties of up to 4 people. Valid for all active members of the U.S. Military, National Guard and Veterans, with ID. Dine-in only.
Lamar’s Donuts. Free Donut & Coffee for all active, retired, and veteran service men and women.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks. 15% discount for parties of up to 4 people. Valid for all active members of the U.S. Military, National Guard and Veterans, with ID. Dine-in only.
Miller’s Ale House. 50% off their entrée of choice with proof of service for military members and veterans, May 31, 2021.
Mission BBQ: Free sandwich in the month of May on the following dates: Army: 5/10, Marine Corps: 5/11, Navy: 5/12, Air Force and Space Force: 5/13, Coast Guard: 5/14, All branches: 5/15.
Memorial Day Military Discounts at Retail Locations
Academy Sports + Outdoors. 10% off entire purchase both in-store and online from May 2 through July 5. Offer valid for first responders, veterans and active-duty military members.
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.
Helzberg Diamonds 10% Military Appreciation Discount. Valid on purchases made in stores and online. Includes active duty, military retirees, disabled veterans, and registered dependents of active duty/retirees.
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).
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.
Oakley Standard Issue. 45% Sitewide Memorial Day Sale at Oakley® SI + Free Shipping.
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: 40% off for Military, First Responders, Nurses, and Teachers! Valid for current and former military. Under Armour offers a 10% military discount for the rest of the year (and sometimes offers greater discounts around military-related holidays). Valid 5/27/21 – 6/2/21.
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.
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.
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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!