Seasonal & Holidays
Special Deals For Veterans Day 2018
Although many of these deals were earmarked for Sunday, Nov. 11, many extend beyond the date. Check out the list below.
AUSTIN, TEXAS — Military veterans deserve our thanks. And in expressing that gratitude, myriad merchants are extending special — and many free — offers across the Austin area on Sunday, Nov. 11.
Need a lift to the Austin Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony on Sunday? Lyft is offering $1 off rides to the event. Austin residents can claim their discount HERE or by applying code ATXVETERAN18 in the Lyft app. Locally, Lyft has partnered with United Way of Austin and 2-1-1 to provide free Lyft rides to those in need, officials said, including the significant veteran population the organization serves in Austin. Since the partnership launched in June 2018, Lyft has provided over 2,500 rides in Austin through 2-1-1.
“This program is amazing," Jason, a disabled veteran with extensive medical needs, wrote. "Since there isn’t a transportation program specifically for veterans in Austin, prior to this partnership, I previously had to miss important medical appointments at times. Lyft has been a real lifesaver for me.”
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Aaron Fox, general manager of Lyft Austin, noted the prevalence of veterans among its driving force: “With 10 percent of Lyft drivers being veterans, our partnerships with organizations making a direct impact on veterans lives are ones we are especially proud of,” he said.
Grabbing a bite on Sunday will taste that much sweeter given the number of special deals for veterans on Sunday. Below are some of the merchants honoring military vets throughout the city and beyond on Sunday.
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The first highlighted bit of text, aligned center, is a PDF of eateries offering free meals on Sunday, with some of those eateries outside the Austin area. This was sent to Patch by folks at The Military Wallet. It includes not just special meal offerings, but other discounts beyond Sunday. Check it out, and if the restaurants don't operate in Austin spread the word to alert your military buds elsewhere!
The Military Wallet also sent us what could accurately be described as the mother of all Veterans Day meal deals compilations. It's so massive, that we here at the Patch Austin bureau would be transcribing it here until probably past the day itself. So exhaustive, it's got a table of contents. So we've chosen to link it below for you to click and review:
2018 VETERANS DAY FREE MEALS AND DISCOUNTS – MORE THAN 100 FREE MEALS!
The Military Wallet people advise us to alert readers to check ahead of time with merchants listed to determine if they're participating locally in the offers. Also, they provided a list of documents, proof of service, etc. you might want to take along just in case. Military Wallet calls this:
Veterans Day Offers – Rules of Engagement
"The following are generally true," says Military Wallet:
- Offers are for Active Duty, Retirees, and Veterans, unless otherwise stated.
- Military ID, Veteran ID Card, Drivers License w/ Veterans Stamp, DD Form 214, or other proof of service are required.
- Call ahead to verify the offer – some offers are only at participating locations.
- May only be valid for dine-in meals, beverage may not be included.
- Please tip your servers on the full meal price. It’s the right thing to do!
Below are a couple more hyperlinks to Veterans Day deals nationwide, courtesy of Military Wallet:
Let's start off with driving discounts. Aceable offers a 50 percent off discount on teen and adult drivers education. Click here to take advantage of that offer.
Okay, at ease readers. Here are some local deals in the Austin area for Sunday, Nov. 11:
The doughnut artists formerly known as Dunkin' Doughnuts will celebrate Veterans Day by offering all veterans and active duty military members a free doughnut with no purchase necessary. The initiative is part of the brand's ongoing efforts to show its support and appreciation for those who serve, officials explained. "Dunkin' has a long and proud history of recognizing U.S. veterans and active duty military year-round for their selfless sacrifice and commitment to keeping our country safe," Tony Weisman, Chief Marketing Officer, Dunkin' U.S., said. "On behalf of our franchisees, several of whom are veterans themselves, we are proud to express our appreciation and gratitude to these brave and heroic men and women in Dunkin' restaurants this Veterans Day."
Freebirds will be offering a BOGO free special to all guests with a valid military I.D. on Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day. This promotion includes buying one full entrée and getting the second free.
"Hopdoddy is humbled to give back to the brave men and women that represent our country’s armed forces this Veterans Day," restaurant officials said in a press advisory. To that end, every Hopdoddy location will give 50 percent off to all parties joined by a veteran, active or inactive member of the armed forces.
Pluckers Wing Bar will celebrate Veterans Day at all locations (except Killeen) from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. when they'll treat veterans and active duty military who bring in a valid military ID to a free meal that includes a complimentary entree, side, and non-alcoholic beverage from Pluckers’ extensive menu (up to $15) when dining at the restaurant. The Pluckers menu includes their trademark wings paired with signature sauces such as Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, and Spicy Ranch, along with unique flavors, like Fire in the Hole, Ginger Peach Sriracha, Gochujang, and Spicy Mandarin; appetizers such as fried pickles and Holy Macaroni; great sandwiches and burgers like the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and the Bypass Burger topped with bacon, cheddar, grilled onions, and jalapeños; signature salads; and epic sides like waffle fries, macaroni and cheese, and homemade potato chips. For more information on Veterans Day at Pluckers, visit www.pluckers.com or the Pluckers Wing Bar Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Pluckers.
AUSTIN VETERANS DAY PARADE AND CEREMONY
The annual parade honoring veterans will be staged on Sunday, starting at 7 a.m. at the Coongress Avenue bridge. Here's the schedule:
Parade Line Up
- 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.: Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge
Parade Reviewing Stand
- 8:45 a.m.: Inter-Continental Stephen F. Austin Hotel, located at 7th and Congress
Parade Lead off
- 9:00 a.m.: Grand Marshall on site, parade will proceed up Congress Ave. to the Texas State Capitol; Capitol South Step Entertainment.
Parade Ends at 11th and Congress Avenue
Memorial Ceremony - Commemoration Program - Ceremonial Bell Ringing
- 10:30 a.m. on South steps of the State Capitol
Welcoming – Master of Ceremonies
Invocation - Parade chaplain
National Anthem - sung by Austin Children's Choir
Pledge of Allegiance and Posting of the Colors
Introduction of Dais
Presentation of Proclamations - local and state leaders
Guest speaker: Major General John F. Nichols
Presentations
Roll Call to Honor Our Dead
- 11:45 a.m. (wreath laying ceremony with bell tolling, 21-gun salute and taps)
Salute provided by Tejanos in Action
Benediction - Parade Chaplain
- Dismissal - 12 p.m.
To see pictures from last year's Austin veteran's parade, click here.
OF RELATED INTEREST
San Antonio-based USAA is sponsoring a $50,000 sweepstakes to enable participants to "Live Their Dreams." The "Live Their Dreams" sweepstakes is an offshoot of Life Insurance Awaresness Month in September, with USAA keeping up the awareness campaign through Nov. 20. Sweepstakes entrants need not be USAA members nor buy life insurance from them to participate. To learn more, visit: https://cashmoneylife.com/live-your-dreams/.
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