In addition to the Veterans Day parades and ceremonies that take place in November, Veterans Day freebies and discounts are just another way local and national businesses say thank you to Georgia veterans who have selflessly served and sacrificed for the U.S.
Veterans Day, first recognized as Armistice Day beginning in 1918, eventually became a day specific to honoring veterans in 1954. This year, Veterans Day will is Nov. 11, but the Federal Holiday for Veterans Day will be observed on Nov. 10. In the days leading into and coming after the holiday, an array of restaurants, bridal stores and other establishments will pay homage with significant discounts and freebies for veterans and there families.
Here are some of the top Veterans Day freebies for Georgia veterans this year:
Brides Across America.
Registrations are being taken for Nov. 9 by Impression Bridal Store, 501 Roberts Court, Kennesaw for its "Operation Wedding Gown Event." Free wedding gowns are given to military and first-responder brides.
Free car washes. Through Grace for Vets, veterans and service personnel may receive free car washes on Nov. 11 at select businesses in Georgia.
Golden Corral. Free dinner on Nov. 13 to any person who has served in the U.S. military (retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves).
Free haircuts at Great Clips. Receive a free haircut on Nov. 11 or the free haircut card to use by Dec. 31, 2017. Nonmilitary customers may purchase a service at a Great Clips salon on Nov. 11 and receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran.
Military Job Fair. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 7. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta. 10 am.: job seeker registration, 10:30-11:15 a.m.: LinkedIn for Veterans workshop; 11:20-11:50 a.m.: Personal Branding workshop; 11:45 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.: LinkedIn/resume reviews and mock interviews; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: employer registration; 1-4 p.m. hiring fair; 4-6 p.m. stadium tour. Register.
Kennesaw Military Luncheon. Noon-2 p.m. Nov. 10. Free. Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive, Kennesaw. North Cobb American Legion Post 304 and the city of Kennesaw are hosts. No ID required. Open to active military and veterans. Info: Kennesaw Parks and Recreation at 770-422-9714.
Milton Veterans Day continental breakfast. 8 a.m. Nov. 11. Free to all veterans. Milton City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton. The breakfast will be followed by the Milton Literary Festival. The breakfast speaker will be retired Brigadier General A. J. "Tony" Tata who served 28 years in the United States Army. Author of several novels, he regularly appears on many national news networks, commenting on national security matters.
Six Flags Over Georgia: Military Appreciation Days. Free tickets on Nov. 11 and 12 for current (active) military members and up to three dependents. If a military service member is deployed, a spouse and up to three dependents can receive free admission with a current military ID card. Additional tickets for military members and retired military veterans may be purchased at the front gate for 50 percent off. All admission tickets must be purchased at the front gate to receive these discounts, and a valid military ID card is required.
Stockbridge Veterans Recognition Luncheon.
11:30 a.m. Nov. 10. Free. Merle Manders Conference Center, 111 Davis Road, Stockbridge. The luncheon will begin immediately following the 10 a.m. Stockbridge Veterans Parade. Veterans and their guests will enjoy a guest speaker, drill team demonstrations and musical performances. For veterans and one guest, luncheon registration is due by Nov. 10.
Texas Roadhouse. Veterans Day freebies will be offered to active, former or retired military. They can choose a free lunch on Nov. 11 from among 10 entrees on the Veterans Menu, including iced tea, sweet tea, soft drink or coffee. Servers will need to see proof of military service with a military ID card, Veterans Affairs card or discharge papers.
Veteran Resource/Career Fair. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 9. Free. Cobb/Cherokee Career Center, 465 Big Shanty Road, Marietta. Business casual. Bring résumés and a driver's license. Before the fair, participants are encouraged to report to the Career Center to create an account and a résumé in Employ Georgia or to register online. Having an Employ Georgia account and a résumé will allow staff to provide career direction, interviewing techniques and résumé critique.
