Every year, Golden Corral honors veterans and active military members with a free Veterans Day meal. Over the past 20 years, they’ve provided the free buffet to over 6 million and raised over $17.5 million for Disabled American Veterans.

When

This year, Golden Corral is handing out free meals on Monday, November 14, from 5 PM to close. Free meal vouchers were available a couple years ago that could be redeemed within a wide range of dates, but that’s not how they are doing things in 2022.

Eligibility

Golden Corral’s free Veterans Day meal is available to those who have ever served in the U.S. military. This includes retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard, and Reserves.

Families of military members are welcome to attend the meal, but they need to pay regular menu pricing for the buffet.

What You Need to Take With You

No identification is needed to get the free Veterans Day meal at Golden Corral. However, if you call your local Golden Corral ahead of time, verify whether any identification is necessary, for the requirement may vary locally.

Some restaurants will let you just come in wearing your uniform. Otherwise, if the restaurant requires proof, you might be able to present any of the following:

  • U.S. Uniformed Services ID CardU.S. Uniformed Service Retired ID CardCurrent Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)Veterans organization card (e.g., American Legion or VFW)Photograph of yourself in uniformDD214Citation or commendation

Again, though, Golden Corral is said to not require any form of identification, so you shouldn’t need to worry about coming prepared.

Free Meal Restrictions

Golden Corral’s free thank-you dinner for Veterans Day 2022 is only valid one day: Monday, November 14.

Golden Corral’s Camp Corral

Golden Corral has another military freebie where children of military personnel can attend a week of camp for free.

More Veterans Day Freebies

This is just one of the Veterans Day free meals that are available each year around Veterans Day. Some other restaurants that usually make this offer include Applebee’s, IHOP, Olive Garden, Denny’s, Chili’s, Outback Steakhouse, T.G.I. Friday’s, Texas Roadhouse, Red Robin, BJ’s, LongHorn Steakhouse, O’Charley’s, and Red Lobster.

Looking for extra freebies and discounts that you can snatch up this Veterans Day? Find a whole bunch in our list of Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts, like a free zoo and national park admission, retail discounts, free haircuts, and more.