Veterans’ Day is coming up, don’t forget to take a moment and thank the service people you know for their commitment. Shutterfly has made it very easy and FREE for you to thank our troops. Just select a card from our 4 different designs, add a personal message (or photo) and click send.  Shutterfly will print and ship your card to the troops at no cost to you. They also have it in a Facebook app, which not only makes it easy but then you can share your card with family and friends and encourage them to do the same.

Here are some of the designs you can choose from. Click this image to send a thank you card to our troops, for FREE!

Here are some deals, discounts and freebies to pass along. PLEASE, note that the actual Veterans’ Day happens on a Sunday this year, but is being observed on Monday. For all freebies at businesses, please double check before you go to make sure of which day they are having special offers. FOR ALL OFFERS, assume that you will have to show ID, thanks.

You may also need: Displaying your American Flag~Know the code!

FREE for everyone, not just veterans-all of our National Parks are free for everyone November 10-12.

Highlights for the Philadelphia area:

Last year, I had a list of several other offers in our area. None of those venues have their offers posted yet, I will update them as I find them.

Milburn Orchards in Elkton, MD-Get 20% off everything all purchases on Sunday.

National Constitution Center – Throughout the day, museum guests will have the opportunity to attend special Soldier Talks by veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm to hear about their experiences in the military and view a special Veterans’ art exhibition.  The day also will include Flag Ceremonies, performances by military bands, and much more.  The Center also is hosting a Veterans Day Celebration on Sunday, November 11, 2012 from 9:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. featuring a variety of interactive, military-themed activities for both veterans and visitors of all ages.  Admission to the museum on Veterans Day is FREE for all veterans and active military personnel.

The front of The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, one of our favorite local attractions!

The Center’s main Veterans Day celebration will begin at 9:15 a.m. on November 11 with a flag raising ceremony on the front lawn.  At 11:00 a.m., visitors can participate in a moment of silence and wreath-laying ceremony to honor our nation’s servicemen and women.  The poignant ceremony will feature the Temple University Color Guard and a performance of “Taps” on the Grand Hall Overlook by the 28thDivision Band from Hollidaysburg, PA.  The 28th Division Band will also perform select military numbers for visitors at 1:00 p.m. on the Overlook.

Visitors also will have the unique opportunity to speak with local members of the U.S. Armed Forces to hear firsthand accounts of their service.  At 2:00 p.m. on the Center’s Grand Hall Overlook, guests will have the opportunity to listen to a special discussion led by the authors of the new book In the Shadow of Greatness.  The book provides first-person accounts of the United States Naval Academy Class of 2002, who graduated into a nation at war, the first class to do so since Vietnam.

WHYY presents Veterans Day Story Telling – 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; veterans, their spouses and parents are invited to record personal stories of military service; if you like, bring a friend or family member to conduct the recorded interview. For info: register at http://www.whyy.org/hamiltoncommons/communitycourses.html or call 215.351.0511.

National Offers:

Click here to view 10 Patriotic Songs on You Tube!

Walgreens: Walgreens is offering a discount to all veterans and active duty military on Veterans Day, in recognition of their service and commitment to the country. On November 11, they will receive 15 percent off eligible store items and 20 percent off Walgreens and W Brand products with a valid military ID for those on active duty, or proof of service for veterans. This offer is valid at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstore nationwide. Please note: The discount is not valid on prescriptions, cigarettes, dairy products, liquor, phone cards, newspapers, magazines, stamps and gift cards or where otherwise limited by law. The discount also is not valid toward the Prescription Savings Club membership fee.

Several free activities for kids.

Blooms Today: Offering 50% off and $4.99 delivery (some areas eligible for same day delivery) for flowers and gifts.

York Photo-2 great offers: a 4×6 photo book plus 40 prints (use code 146)  for just $1 OR twenty (20) 4×8 photo cards and 40 prints, (use code 1CARD) for just $1.Both expire 11/15/12.

7-11-Offers will be offering veterans and service members a free small Slurpee on Sunday Nov. 11, 2012.

Magazines.com is having a nice Veterans Day sale.

Applebee’s – free meal, Sunday, Nov. 11: Last year, Applebee’s served 1,024,000 million free meals to military veterans and active service members. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veteran’s Day, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2011. There will be 7 entrées to choose from. Military ID or proof of service required. Find locations at http://applebees.com/.

Bugaboo Creek-Had an offer last year, still waiting to hear about this year.

Chili’s – free meal, Sunday, Nov. 11. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 6 meals. This offer is available during business hours on November 11, 2011 at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service.

Champps-All veterans and active military will receive a free burger on Friday, November 11th. ID required, dine in only.

Denny’s-Monday, November 12, 2012-all active, non-active, and retired military personnel can get free all you can eat pancakes from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You need to bring a valid military ID along with you

Golden Corral – Free meal on November 12. For more information visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/.

Famous Dave’s – will be giving out free meals for Veterans Day on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at some locations. Please check the Famous Dave’s Veteran’s Day page for more information.

Hooters – Free Meal, Sunday, Nov. 11: For more information, visit, www.HootersVeteransDay.com.

Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees & veterans on Sunday November 11th. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.

Lone Star–Monday, Nov. 12, 2012. Free appetizer for military members and veterans. Some restrictions may apply, ID required, please call ahead for verification.

Max & Erma’s-Max & Erma’s will be honoring veterans and active military personnel by giving out a free Best Cheeseburger in America combo which includes choice of Tortilla Soup or side Caesar Salad, a Cheeseburger and french fries, and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – You can stop into a participating McCormick & Schmick’s on Sunday, November 11, 2012 to get your Veterans Day free meal. Your free lunch or dinner entree will be from a limited menu and reservations are recommended.. Veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée. Veterans must provide proof of military service. Be sure to contact your local McCormick & Schmick’s as this is valid at participating restaurants only. Also, space is limited and reservations are highly recommended.

Olive Garden-Free entrée, Nov. 11, 2012.

Outback Steakhouse – Stop into any Outback Steakhouse on November 11-12, 2012 to get a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola product. This offer is for veterans as well as active duty military. For more information visit: http://outback.com/companyinfo/veteransday.aspx.

Subway – Free Six Inch Sub, Sunday, November 11, 2011. Select SUBWAY® Restaurants will offer a free six inch sub or flatbread on Veteran’s Day. Check your location for specifics.

Texas Roadhouse – free lunch, Sunday, Nov. 11 (11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.). Visit Texas Roadhouse Veterans Day page for more information.

T.G.I. Friday’s –Free lunch for all veterans on Monday, November 12, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at participating locations. Be sure to contact your local T.G.I Friday’s for details.

Tim Horton’s – All US locations are offering a free donut to all veterans.

Uno Chicago Grill, Sunday, Nov. 11. Veteran’s Day Discount: 19.43% discount on their food and non-alcoholic beverage beverages purchases from11/7 through 11/11.  Why 19.43%, do you ask?  That is the year UNO invented deep dish pizza.  Offer good for all military  for veterans and active duty military. ID or proof of service required. Show up in uniform (if your service permits), provide military ID, show a picture of yourself in uniform, or have other ID showing proof of service.

Home Depot and Lowes 10% Military Discount every day.

Bed and Breakfast for Vets-For more information visit B&Bs for Vets.

Amazon.com – Free MP3 album download “Veterans Day Honor.”

Big Lots-Sunday, November 11th, Veterans receive 10% off entire purchase with valid military ID.

Dollar General-10% discount on entire purchase on Veteran’s Day;  More info.

Cabela’s Outdoor Store– Offering their employee discount to all veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel on November 11-12th. Discounts vary from 5-50% depending on item.

Build-a-Bear Workshop– Armed forces members and reserves will receive 20% discount on November 11-15th on any one transaction.

Foot Locker– Veterans, Service members and immediate families with a Foot Locker Veterans Advantage Card will receive 20% every day of the year. Offer good online and at any store location and includes sale items.

Regional Veteran’s Day Discounts

• Natural by Nature-Organic items. Military families receive 15% off every day.

Other Freebies:

Free athritis guide-includes exercise tips, diet tips and pain management advice.

Manila-manage all your accounts online, for free. No papers to move from house to house!