AUGUSTA, Ga. – Veterans Day, which commemorates Americans who have served in the military, is observed annually on Nov. 11.

Although it honors all veterans, it grew out of Armistice Day, which marks the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World War I formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

In the U.S., Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

Here are some other things to know about Veterans Day:

Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?

1. Yes. Veterans Day is one of the nation’s 11 federal holidays celebrated each year. Therefore, federal offices will be closed, and many non-essential government services will be closed.

What’s open and closed on Veterans Day?

1. » Banks: Most are closed on Veterans Day because it’s a federal holiday also observed by the Federal Reserve.
2. » U.S. stock market: It will operate normally on Veterans Day, while the bond markets will remain closed.
3. » Schools: Some are closed and some are open. In the CSRA, they are generally closed.
4. » Mail: Post offices are closed, and mail will not be delivered.
5. » Stores: Businesses are generally open.

Veterans Day deals and freebies

1. » Applebee’s Grill and Bar: All veterans and active-duty military members receive a free entrée from a special menu Nov. 11 at select locations.
2. » Bonefish Grill: Offering active duty and other veterans a free Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer and a non-alcoholic beverage on Nov. 11. Show proof of service.
3. » Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty military can get 10 free boneless wings and fries with a valid ID. Available for dine-in or, if ordering from a Buffalo Wild Wings GO location, available for walk-in/orders placed at the counter only.
4. » California Dreaming: Veterans and active-duty service members get 50% off any entrée Nov. 11 in Augusta.
5. » Chicken Salad Chick: Veterans and active duty servicemembers get a free meal and drink with valid military ID Nov. 11.
6. » Chili’s: Veterans and active duty service members receive a free meal from a select menu Nov. 11 at participating Chili’s Grill and Bar restaurants.
7. » Cicis Pizza: All veterans and active duty military personnel get a free buffet Nov. 11. The offer is valid for dine-in only, and it does not include taxes or drink.
8. » Denny’s: Veterans and military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam on Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. to noon.
9. » Dunkin’: On Nov. 11, all active and retired military a free donut in honor of Veterans Day.
10. » Golden Corral: Active duty service members and veterans get a free dine-in meal Nov. 11 from 4 p.m. to close.
11. » Great Clips: Veterans and active service members can get a free haircut or a free haircut card for a future visit. If you’re a non-military customer, you can visit a salon on Nov. 11 and receive a free haircut card to give to a service member or veteran.
12. » Hooters: On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, all retired and active-duty military who present proof of service or a military ID, with the purchase of a beverage, may order one free meal from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu. This offer is valid for dine-in only at participating Hooters locations.
13. » IHOP: All veterans and active duty servicemembers get free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancakes on Nov. 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
14. » Kroger: Current and retired members of military service can receive a 10% discount by presenting a valid military ID when shopping in-store.
15. » Little Caesars: On Nov. 11, veterans can receive a free lunch combo.
16. » Logan’s Roadhouse: Offering active duty and other veterans a free meal from a select menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11. Dine-in only, at participating restaurants. Proof of service required.
17. » MOD Pizza: On Nov. 11, all veterans and active military personnel and their spouses get the all-new Mega Cookie for free.
18. » Olive Garden: Veterans and current members of the military can receive a free entree from a special menu on Veterans Day.
19. » Panera Bread: Locations in Augusta, Evans and Grovetown will salute those in uniform with a free bagel and coffee on Veterans Day. Just wear your uniform or bring your valid military ID or discharge papers.
20. » Red Lobster: Offering active duty and veterans free Veteran’s Shrimp and Chips, on Nov. 11. Dine-in only. Show proof of service. The restaurants offer 10% discount on the check the rest of the year, dine-in, with proof of service.
21. » Red Robin: All veterans and active duty servicemembers get a free Red’s Tavern Double burger with free refills of Bottomless Steak Fries when they dine in Nov. 11.
22. » Sonic: On Monday, Nov. 11, shakes are half-price in any size or flavor.
23. » Starbucks: Veterans, active duty service members, and military spouses can get a free tall (12-ounce) hot or iced brewed coffee on Veterans Day. The offer is limited to one per customer and must be ordered in store or by drive-though, not through the Starbucks app. Cold brew is not included.
24. » Take 5 Oil Change: Offers active duty and other veterans a year-round 25% discount on oil changes at participating locations. Show proof of service.
25. » Target: Through Nov. 11, all military personnel, veterans and their families can receive a two-time use storewide 10% discount with a Target Circle offer, valid both in-store and online.
26. » Texas Roadhouse: Free meals to veterans and active military members across the country on Veterans Day.
27. » Wendy’s: Free small breakfast combo available on Nov. 11 for veterans and active military.

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