These Restaurants Are Offering Free Food For Veterans Day

As Veterans Day approaches, it's time to give a big shout-out to our incredible military heroes. These brave souls have stood tall, ensuring we enjoy the freedom and security we often take for granted. So, let's show some love and appreciation, shall we?

Quick Fact: According to Pew Research, there are over 18 million living veterans in the United States. That's about 6% of the adult population. Back in 1980, nearly 18% of U.S. adults were veterans. Times change, but our gratitude remains.

This Veterans Day, numerous chain restaurants are joining in the tribute by offering free food and special discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel. It's a small token of appreciation for their service, a way to express gratitude for the sacrifices they've made to ensure our freedom and security.

Here are some of the establishments where veterans and military members can enjoy complimentary food:

Applebee's:  For the 16th consecutive year, active duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members can enjoy a free full-size entrée while dining in-restaurant. Plus, as a bonus, receive a $5 Bounce Back Card to use on your next dine-in, to-go, or delivery order during a three-week period. That's a feast with a side of savings!

Bonefish Grill: Calling all active military members! Your ID is your ticket to a free order of bang bang shrimp with a refreshing soft drink. Enjoy!

Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans, it's your time to shine. Score yourself 10 free boneless wings and a side of fries. Yes, please!

Chili’s: To our heroes in uniform, Chili's is serving up free entrées. Take your pick from chicken bacon ranch quesadillas, old-timer cheeseburgers, or chili and salad. Choices, choices!

Dunkin’: A sweet treat awaits! Dunkin' is spreading joy with free donuts for past and present service members. Grab one and savor the goodness.

Krispy Kreme: Calling all doughnut lovers in uniform! Swing by Krispy Kreme for a free donut and a small hot or iced coffee. Delightful!

Starbucks: Starbucks is brewing up gratitude with free tall hot or iced coffees for veterans, military service members, and military spouses. Plus, they're donating $100,000 to Team Red, White & Blue and the Travis Manion Foundation. Double win!

This Veterans Day, let's raise our cups (and forks) to those who've stood guard for our freedom. A big "thank you" and happy Veterans Day!

The country observes Veterans Day every year on November 11. It's the anniversary of the day World War 1 ended in 1918. And Veterans Day was officially celebrated for the first time a year later, in 1919. Since then, it has been a day of remembrance and celebration for the 19 million (uso.org) men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

A great way to show extra love to our heroes for Veterans Day is to do volunteer work for a nonprofit that helps them. The United Service Organizations (USO) is one such nonprofit. They have options on their website for those who want to help with donations. Helpers can donate $115 for an entire gift bundle that will go to a soldier. Or there are more specific ways to help. $100 supports the musical arts by providing instruments for soldiers. A $50 donation can help a soldier who is a parent record bedtime stories for their children at home. Get a list of more opportunities here.

We also have some local organizations and chapters that are giving back to veterans. The 22 Warriors Foundation is committed to making strong connections with veterans and to reduce the number of deaths in their communities. Kline Veterans Fund helps veterans in Southern Nevada who are homeless or at-risk of being so. Paralyzed Veterans of America work to improve the quality of life for veterans who have a spinal cord dysfunction. Nevada Veterans Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life for all veterans in Nevada and their families.

Housing assistance for veterans is the mission of Harvison House. US Vets in Las Vegas provides housing, mental health services, suicide prevention and more help to our local vets. Veterans Charity Care, Forgotten Not Gone, WSP Foundation are other nonprofits that are helping our local heroes.

So there are a lot of ways to give back to our Las Vegas military members this Veterans Day. Here are a few events happening locally that you can enjoy with your family while showing love to our local veterans.

-Wendy Rush, 96.3KKLZ

Of course we have to kick off the list of events to celebrate our veterans with this one. This year's parade will feature dance schools, car clubs, drill teams, marching bands and more. It starts on 4th Street & Garces avenue in Downtown Las Vegas at 10am. And it will kick off with a flyover at 10am. The parade will go until noon. For more information, including road closures and parking suggestions, visit veteransactiongroup.com.

Right after the Las Vegas Veterans Day Parade will be a ceremony to honor our local vets. It will be from 1:30 - 2:30pm on Saturday, November 11. Outside the Grant Sawyer State Office Building at the Nevada State Veterans Memorial. The ceremony will include a Veteran of the Month, Veteran Supporter of the Month and Youth Serving Veterans Awards Ceremony. 555 East Washington Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89101.

What a great way to get our kids involved in honoring veterans! Horses4Heroes’ Las Vegas Family Equestrian Center is hosting this event. It will be Saturday, November 11 from 10am to  2pm. Tickets are $10 and go toward free health and wellness programs for Veterans. Tickets include a horse ride, activities with miniature horses, and more. 4975 North Miller Lane, 89149.

They're also doing a Veterans Day Camp on Friday, November 10. Get details here.

The Best Dam Wine Walks have been happening in Boulder City since 2015. They always do a different theme. And on Saturday, November 11, the theme will be honoring our veterans. So throw on your best "I Love Veterans" shirt, head down to Cards O'Glee in BC, and get ready to do some sippin' and struttin'. Event goes from 4-8pm at 501 Nevada Way, Suite 1, Boulder City, NV 89005. More details here.

VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System is bringing back their annual event honoring veterans. It will be held on Friday, November 10 from 10am to 2pm. Hosted by Las Vegas Cruisin’ Association, it will feature hundreds of classic and custom vehicles. The whole community is invited to come out and enjoy live entertainment, music, food and a children's activity zone. The event is free and will be at the North Las Vegas VA Medical Center. 6900 North Pecos Road, North Las Vegas, NV 89086. Get more information here.