22 Best Memorial Day Deals for Veterans

Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember those who have given their lives to keep our country free. Many veterans spend time with their families to relax and reflect.

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All across the land there are parades, picnics and concerts. As a way of saying thank you to those brave individuals of our armed forces, many businesses and services offer freebies and discounts to veterans and current military personnel. 

Some of these discounts are not only offered on Memorial Day but throughout all of May, which is Military Appreciation Month. 

Remember to take your Veteran ID card with you — most places require it.

Here are some of the best deals: 

Entertainment and experiences 

National Memorial Day Concert: This great event is free and open to the public. It is held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and tickets are not required. The concert can also be enjoyed live on PBS stations and online via a livestream. The concert will be held on the eve of Memorial Day, May 28, 2023, at 8 p.m. ET. The lineup features AARP ambassador Gary Sinise, Joe Mantegna, Mary McCormack, the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters, the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, the Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band and many more.

Blue Star Museums: There’s free admission for active-duty military personnel and their families from Armed Forces Day, May 20, through Labor Day, September 4. Be sure to check the map on the website for participating Blue Star Museums, which include children’s museums, art museums, history and science museums, zoos, nature centers and more.

Colonial Williamsburg: Enjoy free admission for all service members and their dependents during Memorial Day weekend at this Virginia attraction.

Zoos: This site lists zoos around the country offering military discounts. Some, such as the Indianapolis Zoo and Cincinnati Zoo, offer free admission to military personnel and their families. 

Disney Parks: Through Disney’s Armed Forces Salute program, military personnel can get discounted tickets to Disney theme parks on Memorial Day and throughout the year. 

Six Flags Magic Mountain: Discounts are available on single-day and season passes to this Los Angeles attraction,

Sea World: Waves of Honor entitles any U.S. active-duty military member, activated or drilling reservist, or member of the National Guard to one complimentary admission per year for military personnel and as many as three direct dependents.

Restaurants

Chick-fil-A: 10 percent off 

Denny’s: Between 10 and 20 percent off 

El Pollo Loco: 15 percent off