Tuesday, November 11, 2025 is that special day set aside to acknowledge our cherished Veterans and their families formally. It’s an important day in Veterans’ lives, and equally important in the lives of all of us who have benefited from their sacrifices and their willingness to face the challenges of military life. The AMAC Foundation extends to all Veterans a note of respect and admiration for their sacrifices and their willingness to meet the challenges of military life.

A Little Bit of History

“The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” is a phrase that lives in the minds of military historians. It pinpoints the end of World War I hostilities—November 11, 1918—and is recognized as the end of “The Great War.” While it predates the official end of “the war to end all wars” and the June 28, 1919 formal signing of the Treaty of Versailles, it is generally accepted as the exact laying down of arms in a war that lasted more than four years and cost the lives of an estimated 9.7 million military personnel worldwide. 

There have been wars of varying magnitudes since the early 20th Century, but the historical significance of November 11, 1918 serves as a focal point for commemoration of the sacrifices of those who answered the call. Originally named “Armistice Day” in remembrance of the formal cease-fighting agreement reached on that day in history, it wasn’t until 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, that Congress acted to expand the recognition to embrace all wars and honor all who have served. On June 1, 1954, Public Law 380 was enacted, officially adopting “Veterans Day” as the name of this U.S. legal holiday.

Honoring Our Veterans

AMAC’s relationship with the Veteran community is deep, with roughly 75% of our membership’s families having a direct Veteran connection. Moreover, 31% of our 2.4 million members have served in the armed forces. Our organization has a track record of endorsing many initiatives focused on improving the lives of those who have answered the call and has consistently pledged support for positive legislative proposals benefiting Veterans.

As we look forward to next week’s Veterans Day anniversary, we encourage our readers to seek opportunities to engage with Veterans and recognize their role in defending our freedoms and shaping the course of our nation. There are many ways to do this, from simply thanking those who have served to contributing to charities that support veterans’ well-being and their families. On a personal level, another meaningful way to honor a Veteran is to offer to engage in conversation as they share their stories of service.

National Recognition

The AMAC Foundation Veteran Outreach Program (FVOP), in collaboration with related support organizations nationwide, serves to educate and inform American Veterans on programs and policies that will improve their lives in honor of their service to our Nation, focusing on encouraging patriotic service, preventing Veteran suicide, transitioning from service to civilian life, and engaging in small business.

Businesses nationwide also offer recognition to Veterans through a variety of benefits and discounts tailored to Veterans and their families. While many smaller businesses advertise their outreach efforts in local media outlets, our FVOP is pleased to share, courtesy of our friends at U.S. Veterans Magazine, this list of national businesses offering Veterans Day discounts and promotions:

Food & Dining

Retail

  • Amazon: 20% off
  • Ashley Furniture: 10% off any purchase at participating stores
  • Food Lion: 10% off in-store shopping total before taxes
  • IKEA: 15% off in-store home furnishings for up to $3,000
  • Kohl’s: 30% off qualifying purchases
  • Publix: 10% off
  • Rack Room Shoes: 20% off, also available to dependents
  • Samsung: 30% off
  • Sleep Number: 20% off most Sleep Number beds and bases
  • Target: 10% off
  • Under Armour: 40% off, also available to military spouses, 20% off any other time of year
  • Walgreens: 20% off, also available to military family members

Recreation

Travel & Services

Be sure to check in with each website for your local deals! Also, note that while not all locations require proof of military service, it’s always best to bring a valid military ID, veteran ID card, DD214 or other accepted documentation in case verification is needed. U.S. Veterans Magazine has pledged to update this list as participating businesses provide more information, so be sure to check their website for any changes.

And while the U.S. Veterans Magazine compilation is extensive, there are other sources that advertise offerings from even more patriotic businesses. For example, check out the delish.com post here, the Military.com post here, and the militarymney.com post here. You might find some duplicates, but altogether, the information provides a comprehensive review of what’s available in honor of our Veterans. If your favorite restaurant is not listed, you can always search their website directly or, if it’s local-only, submit a direct inquiry to learn about any offers they may have.

The AMAC Foundation staff extends its wishes for a great Veterans Day to all who have served and their families!