Each year on November 11th, we take time to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Veterans Day is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, and marks the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.

We celebrate and honor veterans of the past, but make sure you thank a living veteran and try to attend the Veterans Day parade in Downtown Columbia which starts at 11:00am at the intersection of Sumter and Laurel streets, and travels southbound on Sumter Street, ending at Pendleton Street near the State House. For more information go to http://www.columbiasc.net/parks-recreation/special-events/veterans-day

Here is a list of some restaurants and companies that are offering a free meal or discount for Veterans and active-duty service members. Be advised that some of the listed companies are franchises and may have different policies, so make sure you call ahead to verify if your location is participating in these discounts. Also, most companies will require some form of military ID, which include a military ID card, VA ID card, current Leave and Earning Statement, Driver’s license with veterans designation, photograph in uniform, wearing your uniform if your service permits, veterans organization card, DD214, discharge paperwork or other forms of military identification. For the complete restaurant list, visit themilitarywallet.com

  • Applebee’s will be offering a free meal to veterans and active-duty service members on Nov. 11. There will be seven entrees to choose from, but the beverage and gratuity are not included in the free meal.
  • Bonefish is offering a free order of Bang-Bang shrimp on Nov. 11.
  • Carrabba’s is offering a free appetizer of your choice for active-duty service members and veterans from Nov. 9 until Nov. 15.
  • Chicken Salad Chick is offering a free Original Chick on Nov. 11.
  • Chili’s is offering a choice of any lunch combo, or a choice of a dinner meal from a select menu, including any full-size flatbread on Nov. 11. The offer for the limited menu is dine-in only. Beverages and gratuity are not included.
  • Cracker Barrel – Veterans receive free Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake on Nov. 11; 10% of sales from the cake will go to the USA Transition 360 Alliance.
  • Denny’s is offering a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. to noon for all active, inactive and retired military personnel. They ask that you please call ahead.
  • Dunkin’ Donuts – Free medium hot or iced coffee on Nov. 11.
  • Fatz Eatz and Drinkz is offering its World Famous Calabash Chicken meal from 11 a.m. until close on Nov. 11.
  • Fazoli’s – Veterans and active military get free Build Your Own Pasta on Nov. 11
  • Golden Corral is offering a free meal to all military personnel on Nov. 11 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Hooters is offering a free meal from a select menu with a purchase of a drink.
  • IHOP is offering its free Red, White and Blue pancakes or Red, White and Blue pancakes combo plate that includes eggs, bacon and hash browns. The offer is on Nov. 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at participating locations. Please call ahead to verify participation.
  • Little Caesars is offering a free pizza or a free $5 HOT-N-READY Lunch combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. They ask that you call ahead to verify participation.
  • LongHorn Steakhouse is offering a complimentary Texas Tonion and a non-alcoholic beverage on Nov. 11.
  • O’Charley’s will offer a free entrée from the $9.99 menu for all active military and veterans on Nov. 9.
  • Olive Garden is offering a free entrée to veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11. Guest that dine with a veteran also receive a 10 percent discount.
  • Outback Steakhouse will offer a free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage. Military personnel will also receive a 15 percent discount from Nov. 12 through Dec. 31.
  • Red Lobster is offering a free appetizer or dessert from Nov. 9 through Nov. 12. Participants can choose from a select list of appetizers or desserts.
  • Shoney’s is offering a free All-American Burger on Nov. 11. The offer is good for dine-in only.
  • Texas Roadhouse will have a free lunch event where military members can choose from one of ten free meals, plus sides and a soft drink, coffee, or tea. The offer is good for dine-in only.
  • T.G.I. Friday’s is offering a free lunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Nov. 11. Offer is good for dine-in only.
  • Tony Roma’s is offering a free half rack of baby back ribs on Nov. 11. Valid at select locations.
  • Twin Peaks is offering free menu items at select locations on Nov. 11.
  • Great Clips – Veterans get free haircuts on Nov. 11. In addition, customers who come in for haircuts on Nov. 11 will receive a free haircut card that they can give to a veteran.
  • Bed Bath & Beyond - Home decorating is 20 percent more affordable for servicemen and servicewomen.
  • Sears - is getting in the patriotic spirit with a Veterans Day sale that runs through Nov. 14. You can score 40 percent or more off Kenmore appliances, an extra 20 percent off select sale and regular-priced purchases, and up to 60 percent off mattresses.
  • Amazon - you can take 20 percent off select products in the store’s fashion department. This promotion applies to select clothing, shoes, watches and more, some of which are already discounted. Enter promo code 20VETERANS at checkout to have the savings applied to an eligible order. This code is valid through Nov. 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
  • Carter’s - All shoppers can get in on the savings action this holiday with a 50 percent off sale at baby apparel retailer Carter's. Price reductions can be found on apparel, shoes and accessories. Plus, through Nov. 11, you can print an in-store coupon or use promo code VETDAY25 online to take an extra 25 percent off a purchase of $40 or more. If you spend less than that, use code VETDAY15 to take 15 percent off your entire purchase.
  • Eddie Bauer - Through Nov. 12, enjoy discounts up to 50 percent off on select products for men and women, plus gear. For instance, the women’s Quest fleece zip-up is on sale for just $25 (regularly $50). Or, if you need something to keep warm this winter, the store’s oversized down throw has been reduced to $79.99 (regularly $119). There’s no coupon required for this sale.
  • Jos. A. Bank - The Veterans Day discounts reach an impressive 70 percent off at formalwear retailer Jos. A. Bank. You can take 70 percent off a wide selection of suits, sport coats, dress shirts, sweaters, outerwear, shoes and more. For instance, the executive two-button wool suit trousers is on sale for $195 (regularly $650).
  • Sleep Number - is hoping that customers will rest easy by saving $500 off the price of the retailer’s Veterans Day special edition bed.
  • Showing Appreciation All Yearlong - Shop these sales to get your holiday season shopping (and saving) started early. If you’re a veteran, remember to always ask stores, restaurants and other businesses about any military-specific discounts they may have.

This Nov. 11, and all year long, we join retailers in thanking veterans for their service to our country. Happy Veterans Day!