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Veterans Day Freebies: Detroit Zoo, Applebees, Starbucks, Tubby's, Bob Evans, Great Clips, Golden Corral

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) They've done things no one else wants to do, all in the name of protecting freedom and democracy.

So, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, is a day to give back. It's Veterans Day, and businesses across metro Detroit are giving out freebies as a small token of appreciation.

The Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoo plans to observe Veterans Day on Tuesday by offering free admission to all active military personnel and veterans.

Executive director Ron Kagan says the zoo in Royal Oak is "grateful to the men and women who keep our nation safe and thank them for their service." The free Veterans Day admission is underwritten by the Masco Corporation Foundation. Military personnel and veterans need to present identification, including Form DD-214.

Admission normally is $14 for those ages 15 to 61.

Starbucks

Thirsty vets, active duty service members and their spouses and can get a free, tall (12 fl. oz) brewed coffee on Tuesday. Available at participating locations.

Bob Evans

Veterans and active military personnel have a hearty hotcakes breakfast coming their way - free on Veterans Day, at Bob Evans. All Bob Evans restaurants will serve free all-you-can-eat hotcakes to veterans and active duty military members who present a valid military ID on Tuesday, November 11, 2014.

"On every day, but especially on Veterans Day, our team is honored to celebrate the men and women who give tirelessly of their time and talents to serve in our armed forces," said Steven A. Davis, CEO of Bob Evans Farms. "They are heroes who deserve our ongoing gratitude -a heaping stack of our fresh from the griddle hotcakes is our way of saying thank you on this important day."

Company founder Bob Evans was a veteran, having served in the US Army during World War II in several posts. He was inducted into the Army in January 1945.

Guests wishing to enjoy the original hotcakes breakfast (holiday offer not available on specialty hotcakes) must provide proof of service. Eligible identification includes a US Uniformed Services (current or retired) Identification Card, a current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), or a Veterans' organization card (American Legion or VFW, for example). Guests wearing a military uniform on Veterans Day also are eligible.

Great Clips

Great Clips, the world's largest hair salon brand, is giving veterans a free haircut from Veteran's Day, November 11, through Dec. 31 2014. Customers come into any U.S. Great Clips salon on Nov. 11 and, with the purchase of a service, receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran. Limit one card per customer.
The free haircut cards are redeemable by veterans at any U.S. Great Clips from Nov. 11–Dec. 31, 2014 with proof of service. The promotion applies to veterans only.

Veterans who visit Great Clips in the U.S. on Nov. 11 receive either a free haircut that day or a free haircut card to redeem by Dec. 31. After Nov. 11, veterans must have a free haircut card to get the free haircut.

Golden Corral

Golden Corral will thank thousands of active-duty and retired U.S. military personnel for their service with a free dinner buffet and beverage, while raising donations for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). At all of its restaurants nationwide, Golden Corral will serve free dinner buffets with beverage from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday Nov. 17 to any person who is serving or has served in a United States military branch, including the National Guard and Reserves – identification is not required.

Applebee's

All 65 Applebee's restaurants will offer a free meal to veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day. See the veteran's day menu HERE.

Tubby's

Tubby's Sub Shops will offer all veterans and active duty military the choice of free carryout of its popular six inch Grilled Steak N' Cheese or Tubby's Famous Sub on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2014.

"This is a small way in which we can honor and show appreciation to veterans in service to our country," said Robert Paganes, Tubby's CEO.

One offer is available per customer.

IHOP

IHOP is offering veterans and active duty military a free stack of  Red, White and Blue pancakes from Tuesday. The offer is available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Red Lobster

Nov. 10 through Nov. 13, veterans and active duty service members can enjoy a free appetizer from a limited menu at Red Lobster.  Proof of military status required.

California Pizza Kitchen

Veterans and active service members in uniform or with military I.D. will get a complimentary entree from a special menu on Tuesday at California Pizza Kitchen. The company says, "It's our small way of saying thanks for the tremendous commitment, sacrifice and heroism our service men and women have shown."

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