11 Memorial Day Restaurant Specials For Veterans And Military Personnel

For many, Memorial Day means barbecues, poolside beverages, and a day off from work. But when it was first observed in the 1860s to commemorate the death of Civil War soldiers, it was known as Decoration Day. People, mostly women, would visit the graves of their loved ones and leave wreaths, flags, and flowers. After World War I, it became a day to honor all the fallen soldiers in American wars. Despite the tradition, it wasn't officially made a federal holiday until 1971, when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act that officially established the last Monday in May as Memorial Day. Today, that tradition is carried on in many national cemeteries, including Arlington National Cemetery, where an American flag is placed in front of all 400,000 graves.

To honor the veterans and active duty military personnel this Memorial Day on Monday, May 30 this year, many chain restaurants are offering deals and discounts to those who have served this country. Tons of chain restaurants also offer military and veteran discounts all year long, so make to take advantage of those, too, if you're eligible.

Want to honor a vet in your life through the love language of cooking during the holiday? Check out these delicious appetizers, these glorious mains and sides that make a complete Memorial Day cook out, and these crowd-pleasing desserts.

In celebration of Memorial Day Weekend, here are all the restaurants are serving up freebies to our heroic vets and active military. Just make sure to have your I.D. handy!