Veterans Eat Free at Eureka Applebee's Nov. 11

With the successful veterans' service event last year on Veterans Day, Eureka Memorial VFW Post 5468 will again host Veterans Service Officer Bud Lane at the Eureka Applebee's on Friday.

Last year, Lane processed 13 Veterans Administration benefit claims for area veterans. This activity is held in conjunction with Applebee's annual "Veterans Eat Free" Veterans' Day promotion.

Lane's event will be set in a tent from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Applebee's parking lot at 198 Eureka Towne Center Dr. on Friday.

In what has become a neighborhood tradition, Applebee's thanks veterans and troops by inviting them for a free signature entrée on Nov. 11 each year.

This is the third year that Applebee's will salute the nation's military, hoping to top the 1,024,000 million free meals served last year from coast-to-coast. Since Applebee's first began thanking the military with a free meal, restaurants have served more than two million veterans and active duty military members on their day of remembrance and respect.

"We say 'Thank You' with a free meal, but this day at Applebee's is really more about creating connections," said Mike Archer, president of Applebee's Services, Inc. stated on the restaurant's website. "At every Applebee's on Veterans Day, military gather to share stories, meet up with old friends and make new ones. It's our favorite day of the year, and we are honored to serve and thank them again this year."

Applebee's will offer a Veterans Day menu that includes some of its signature and favorite items:

1. 7 oz. House Sirloin
2. Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger
3. Three Cheese Chicken Penne
4. Chicken Tenders Platter
5. Oriental Chicken Salad
6. Fiesta Lime Chicken
7. Double Crunch Shrimp

Participating Applebee's guests need to provide proof of service, which includes: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, photograph in uniform or wearing uniform, DD214, Citation or Commendation.

Applebee's Veterans Day offer is valid for dine-in only. Traditional sides are included with the free entrees. However the "2 for $20 appetizers," upgraded side items or extras, beverages, desserts and gratuity are not included.