Veterans Day is a special and much deserved American holiday that honors military veterans and those who have served in the armed forces. On Monday, November 11, 2013 many businesses, restaurants and establishments will pay their respects and say their thanks to the brave through various promos, discounts and freebies. The tradition is celebrated in other countries as well, for example, Commonwealth countries and Canada observe "Remembrance Day."

Below is a list of some of the 2013 Veterans Day freebies and deals that veterans and active duty military can enjoy:

Restaurants

Applebees - Veterans and active duty military personnel are entitled to a free Thank You Meal with a choice from seven signature entrees.

Bob Evans -Veterans and active military personnel will receive free all-you-can-eat hotcakes at all of its restaurants on Veterans Day.

California Pizza Kitchen - Veterans and active military will receive a free pizza on Veterans Day.

Chili's - Veterans and active duty can enjoy a free entrée on Veterans Day.

Denny's - Active, inactive, and retired veterans can get a free pancake-all-you-can on Veterans Day.

Olive Garden - All Veterans and active military will receive a free meal off the special menu. As an additional treat, friends and family members will receive a 10% discount off their bills.

Texas Roadhouse - The chain will be offering veterans a free lunch from a special menu. Be advised that the offer is only available for those who will dine in.

Other Services and Promos

Bed Bath and Beyond - From November 9 to 11, veterans active duty, DoD, reserves, guard, retirees, veterans, and military spouses will enjoy 20% off their purchases.

Knotts Berry Farm - Free admission will be given to veterans and active duty personnel and one guest beginning November 4, 2013 to January 5, 2014.

National Parks - During Veterans Day weekend, veterans will enjoy waived entrance fee to access over 100 National Parks.

Under Armor - Veterans and active duty service members will enjoy 15% off plus free shipping on orders beginning November 7 until November 11.

The Examiner and Yahoo! Finance lists a number of other deals available to veterans, active service members and their families.

Relatedly, oftentimes veterans find it difficult to re-integrate into society and find a place in the job market. To honor military vets, coffee chain giant Starbucks announced that that the company plans to hire 10,000 veterans, members of the armed forces and their spouses over the next 5 years. In addition, Starbucks plans to open 5 new branches on or near military bases that will share its proceeds and profits with the local community. During Veterans Day, veterans, active duty military and military spouses get a free tall (12 oz.) brewed coffee at Starbucks.

Veterans Day is celebrated annually on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the armistice which ended the First World War between the Germany and the Allied Nations in 1918. Hostilities officially ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" thus most celebrations are marked with parades, church services and a period of silence.

As a reminder, veterans and active duty military are recommended to carry a valid form of identification as most of the offered deals would require presentation of military identification/ affiliation.