Businesses are saluting veterans and active-duty military personnel Saturday.

They’re offering freebies and special discounts on Veterans Day to show their appreciation for all those who have sacrificed for their country.

Veterans can enjoy free meals, drinks, treats and even a haircut and car wash.

For some deals, you don’t have to wait until Saturday.

Proof of service such as a military ID is typically required and a few businesses will allow dressing in uniform as a form of identification. Discharge papers, VA cards and veteran organization membership cards also can be used to prove service at most businesses.

The majority of discounts are valid only on Veterans Day, unless otherwise noted and available at participating locations. Some exclusions apply.

Early deals

Aspen Creek Grill: Free lunch from special menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse: Free entrée under $12.95 on Friday and Saturday. Plus, get a free BJ’s beer, which was donated by a community member. Learn more at www.bjsrestaurants.com/hero.

Boston Market: Buy one individual meal, get a second free Friday through Sunday at participating locations. A military ID isn’t required but to get this deal, you’ll need a coupon from www.bostonmarket.com.

Chicken Salad Chick: Free Chick Special and drink Friday.

Denny's: From 5 a.m. to noon Friday, active, inactive and retired military personnel get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam at participating locations.

Farmer Boys: Free Big Cheese cheeseburgers Friday.

Fazoli's: Free spaghetti with meat or marina sauce Friday through Sunday. The chain also is rolling out a new 10% military discount.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Veterans and active duty service members get a free entrée when they dine with someone who purchases a meal Friday.

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant: Free meal Friday and Saturday from a select menu.

Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea House: Free meal from select menu from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at participating locations.

IHOP: Get a free stack of Red, White and Blue pancakes or a patriotic pancake combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at participating locations. The deal varies by location.

Spaghetti Warehouse: Buy any Original Recipe Spaghetti entrée, lasagne, grilled chicken alfredo, get one free Friday through Sunday with a coupon available at www.meatballs.com/veterans. No military ID required.

Veterans Day free meals, treats

America’s Dog & Burger: Free meals for veterans and active military with proper ID from Veterans Day through Nov. 18 at the Chicago regional chain.

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza: Free small order of meatballs with ricotta cheese.

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill: Free meal from a special menu Saturday at any of the nearly 1,800 locations.

Arooga’s Grille House & Sports Bar: Choice of pretzel including soft, crab or buffalo pretzel. This dine-in only offer is valid all-day Saturday at all locations, except for the Attleboro, Mass., location and at the Patchogue, N.Y., location, the special ends 4 p.m.

Back Yard Burgers: Free Classic Burgers on Saturday for veterans and active duty personnel in uniform or with a valid ID. The chain also offers a 20% discount to service men and women year-round.

Bakers Square: Free breakfast Saturday with choice of buttermilk pancakes, three slices of French toast or a Belgian waffle.

Bandana's Bar-B-Q‏: Free meal up to $10 Saturday.

Bar Louie: Free flatbread or burger Saturday. See location for more details.

Billy Sims BBQ: Free meal with special collectors cup.

Bob Evans: Free meal from a special menu available all day Saturday at all locations.

Bonanza Steakhouse: Free buffet.

Bonefish Grill: Free Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer.

Boston’s Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar: Through Sunday, guests can buy veterans and military personnel a pre-paid pint. Veterans and active military can go to their local Boston’s to redeem one of the paper pints through Sunday while supplies last.

Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille: Free 6-ounce sirloin steak with two sides.

Bruegger’s Bagels: Free small drip coffee.

Bubbakoo’s Burritos: Free meal.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Free small order of traditional or boneless wings with a side of fries.

Burntwood Tavern: Free lunch or dinner Saturday.

Calhoun's: Free meal.

California Pizza Kitchen: Free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu at participating locations.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Free appetizer.

Carlo’s Bakery: Free cannoli.

Cattlemens Steakhouse: Free 8-ounce sirloin steak dinner.

Chili's: Free meal from a special menu.

Chuck E. Cheese: Free personal one-topping pizza to veterans, active duty personnel and eligible dependents with military ID, proof of service and promo code 5500. The chain also has daily military discounts.

Cicis Pizza: Free adult buffet Saturday.

Circle K: Free Polar Pop with the Veterans Day deal on the convenience store chain’s mobile app and with military ID.

City BBQ: Free sandwich with two sides and a regular drink.

Country Pride: Free meal from a select menu.

Cracker Barrel:Free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Veterans get a free sandwich, savory side and a Big Yellow Cup from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Dunkin' Donuts:Free doughnut of choice, while supplies last.

East Coast Wings + Grill: Free meal from a select menu and fountain drink or tea.

El Fenix: Vets get a free meal from a special menu Saturday.

Famous Dave's: Free two meat combo.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Free combo meal cards will be given out to veterans and active duty military Saturday.

Friendly's: Free meal from a special menu at participating locations.

Glory Days Grill: Free appetizer or a regular order of boneless or grilled boneless wings.

Green Mill: Free menu item for lunch or dinner

Hansel N’ Griddle: Free regular or special smoothie.

Hooters: Free meal from special menu.

Houlihan’s: Free meal from select menu. Offer varies by location.

Huddle House: Free order of Sweet Cakes, platter-size pancakes available in eight different flavor and topping combinations at all locations nationwide.

Hurricane Grill & Wings: Free entrée and non-alcoholic drink from special menu.

Hy-Vee: Free breakfast 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at participating supermarkets with in-store dining.

IKEA: Free meal up to $9.99. Offer may vary in the Carson, Calif., location, according to the IKEA website.

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant: Free burger Friday and Saturday. Dine-in only at all locations.

Iron Skillet: Free meal from a select menu.

JJ’s Red Hots: Free meal including unlimited hot dogs, sausages, sides and non-alcoholic drinks all-day Saturday.

Krispy Kreme:One free doughnut and a small cup of coffee at participating locations. No ID is required.

Krystal: Free sausage biscuit from 6 to 11 a.m., while supplies last.

LaMar’s Donuts: Free doughnut and 12-ounce coffee.

Little Caesars:Free Hot-N-Ready lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Logan's Roadhouse: Free meal from special menu between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

LongHorn Steakhouse:Free appetizer or dessert. Plus guests dining with veterans will receive 10% off their meals.

Macaroni Grill: Free Mom's Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti.

Main Event: Free meal and $10 FUNcard. Locations open until 5 p.m. Saturday.

Manhattan Bagel: Free bagel and cream cheese. No coupon necessary, just tell the cashier that you’re an active, former or retired military personnel.

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant: Get two free meals Saturday, one for the veteran or military member and one for a significant other.

Max & Erma’s: Free meal includes a cheeseburger, endless seasoned fries and a fountain drink.

Menchie’s: Free 6-ounce frozen yogurt.

Mimi’s Café: Free meal from special menu.

Muscle Maker Grill: Free meal at participating locations.

Native Grill & Wings: Free meal or menu item up to $11.99.

O’Charley’s: Free meal from the “$9.99er Menu.” Plus get a $5 off $20 voucher for your next visit. Offers may vary by location. O’Charley’s offers a 10% military discount year-round.

Olive Garden: Free meal from a select menu.

On the Border: Free combo meal.

Orange Leaf Yogurt: Free frozen yogurt up to 11 ounces.

Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin' Onion and non-alcoholic beverage.

Panera Bread: Free breakfast sandwiches until 10 a.m. Saturday at participating locations. After 10 a.m., military members get a coupon for a free pastry to use on a future visit.

Perkins: Free Magnificent Seven meal.

Pie Five Pizza:Free customized pizza.

Pinchers: Free meal, up to $17, at all locations between Tampa and Key West.

Pizza Factory: Free mini one-topping pizza and regular-size soda for lunch.

Pizza Inn: Free adult buffet.

Ponderosa Steakhouse: Free buffet.

Primanti Bros.: Free classic sandwich.

Quaker Steak & Lube: Offers vary by location, and include free meals from select menus or up to a specified amount, or discounted meals.

Recovery Sports Grill:Free meal.

Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert.

Red Robin: Free Red's Tavern Double Burger with bottomless fries.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery: Free meal Saturday.

Rock & Brews: Free pulled pork sandwich. Optons may vary by location.

Ruby's Diner: Free meal from a select menu.

Ruby Tuesday: Free appetizer up to $10.

Rush Bowls: Free bowl or smoothie.

Scooter’s Coffee: Free cup of coffee at all locations.

Shari's Café and Pies: Free pancake breakfast available all day Saturday at all 94 locations.

Shoney's: Free breakfast bar from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Sizzler: Free lunch from a special menu until 4 p.m.

Snuffer's: Free burger and order of small fries or onion rings.

Sonny's BBQ: Offers vary by location. At some locations, veterans eat for half off and other locations will offer a free Big Deal Combo.

Starbucks: Free tall coffee for any veteran, active duty military and military spouse Saturday. Unrelated to the Veterans Day deal, Starbucks has a buy one holiday drink, get one free deal 2 to 5 p.m.Thursday through Monday.

Steak 'n Shake: Free Homestyle breakfast 6 to 11 a.m., dine-in only at participating locations. Proof of military service requested.

Teriyaki Madness: Free bowl of choice to active and non-active military personnel and first responders at the 14 locations in the Las Vegas area.

Texas Roadhouse: Free meal from a special menu and choice of non-alcoholic drink.

TGI Friday's: Free lunch menu item up to $12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Plus get a coupon for $5 off next meal.

The Greene Turtle: Free meal up to $12 or $12 off a more expensive item.

The Gyro Shack: Free Original Gyro.

Tijuana Flats: Free meal.

TooJay’s: Free meal from a special menu.

Village Inn: Free "INN-Credible V.I.B." breakfast.

Vitality Bowls: Free smoothies to veterans at all corporate and participating franchise locations.

Waffle House: Use a printable coupon to get one free classic waffle through Nov. 30. While it's called a Veterans Day coupon, the fine print does not say it’s only for veterans and active military. Find the coupon at www.wafflehouse.com/veteransdaycoupon.

Wawa: Free coffee, any size, all day Saturday for veterans, active military and family members.

White Castle: Free breakfast combo.

Wild Wing Café: Free salad, wrap, burger or chicken sandwich.

Wienerschnitzel: Free chili dog meal.

World of Beer: Free select draft beer or $5 off any food item. Offer varies by location due to state legalities.

Zoës Kitchen: Free meal.

Free meals after Veterans Day

CentraArchy Restaurants: Get a free meal from regular dinner menus Sunday at the following CentraArchy restaurants: New York Prime, California Dreaming, The Tavern at Phipps, Chophouse New Orleans, Carolina Roadhouse, Joey D’s Oak Room, Chophouse ’47, Gulfstream Café and Burro Loco.

Furr's Fresh Buffet: Free buffet and beverage to all veterans Monday. Can be combined with the Military Monday price for up to three family members that come in with a service member.

Golden Corral: Free dinner buffet with beverage from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday for the chain’s annual Military Appreciation Night. Learn more at www.goldencorral.com/military.

Ovation Brands:HomeTown Buffet, Old Country Buffet, Country Buffet and Ryan's offer a free buffet and beverage to all veterans on Monday. Can be combined with the Military Monday price for up to three family members that come in with a service member.

Twin Peaks: Vets get a free meal from a special menu Monday.

Other Veterans Day freebies

American Family Care: Free flu shots Saturday. Find locations at www.americanfamilycare.com.

Car wash: Get a free car wash at participating locations nationwide. Find a list of locations at www.graceforvets.org/veterans.

Crew Carwash: Free car wash for veterans and active military members Saturday at all 30 locations across Indiana. To get this deal, share that you’re a veteran and would like the free car wash.

Great Clips: Veterans and active duty get a free haircut on Veterans Day or pick up a free haircut card to use through Dec. 31. Also non-veterans who get a haircut Saturday get a free haircut card to give to a veteran.

Hair Cuttery: For every haircut purchased by customers Saturday, a free haircut certificate will be donated back to a veteran in the same community. To distribute the free haircut certificates, Hair Cuttery is working with veteran's organizations.

Meineke: Free basic oil change Saturday.

Sports Clips: Through its Help A Hero campaign, participating stores offer free haircuts to service members and veterans with valid military identification. Stores also are collecting money for scholarships.

The Jewelry Center: Free watch battery replacement for all military Saturday at the three Wisconsin locations.

UFC Gym: For the month of November, get a free one-month membership. The fitness franchise also will be offering zero enrollment fees in addition to discounted monthly dues after November. This offer extends to the military member’s family if they live in the same household.

Veterans Day meal deals, discounts

99 Restaurants: From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, veterans and active military get a free meal with purchase of an entree.

Bertucci’s: Buy one meal, get one free for veterans, military and first responders Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. Learn more at www.bertuccis.com/VeteransDayBOGO.

Black Angus Steakhouse: Special top sirloin steak meal for $9.99, which includes home-style mashed potatoes, broccoli with garlic butter and a beverage. The dine-in offer is available at participating locations from open to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Capriotti’s: Buy one sandwich, get one free.

Creamistry: 50% off any single menu item at all locations.

Donato's Pizza: 20% off at all Columbus, Ohio, locations.

Duffy's Sports Grill: 40% off food. The chain also offers a 40% discount to active military daily.

Fogo de Chão: 50% off meals for veterans and active duty personnel Friday through Sunday. Plus up to three guests get 10% off their meals at all U.S. locations.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: 15% discount for veterans. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut locations are not participating.

Hickory Tavern: 50% discount on food from a special Veteran’s Day menu Saturday.

Miller's Ale House: 50% off Saturday. Not valid on alcohol, lunch specials and gift cards.

Panini Kabob Grill: 50% off Saturday.

Red Hot & Blue Restaurants: Buy one meal up to $10, get second meal of equal or greater value free with a coupon and proof of service Saturday. Coupon is available at www.redhotandblue.com/veterans2017.

Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes: $8.29 lunch or dinner with a beverage Friday through Sunday.

Store military discounts

Many stores offer military discounts year-round, but a handful are only on Veterans Day.

A.C. Moore: 15% off your total regular and sale price purchase with valid ID every day.

Babies R Us: 15% off in-store purchases through Saturday with coupon and ID.

Bealls: 10% off Friday and Saturday.

Bed Bath & Beyond: 25% off entire purchase through Sunday, in-store only.

Buy Buy Baby: 25% off entire purchase through Sunday, in-store only.

Cabela's: In addition to the 5% everyday military discount, the chain is offering additional discounts through Sunday. Learn more at www.cabelas.com

Dollar General: 11% discount in-store and online with promo code VET17 on Saturday.

Food Lion: 10% off Saturday.

Fresh Market: 10% off Saturday for veterans and spouses. Not valid on alcohol or gift cards.

Giant Eagle Inc.’s GetGo: Free cup of coffee for veterans with military ID or veteran's card. This offer is available daily.

Home Depot: 10% discount Saturday. To get the discount online, sign up here.

Jo-Ann Fabric: 10% discount for military service members and their families year-round.

LIDS: 25% off online and 50% off custom embroidery in-store Saturday. A military ID is required.

Lowe's: 10% discount.

Lucky's Market: 10% off Saturday. Excludes alcohol and gift cards.

Michaels: 15% discount for military families every day.

Old Time Pottery: 10% military discount every day to active, retired military and their immediate families.

Publix: 10% discount for veterans, military personnel and family members Saturday.

Rack Room Shoes: 10% military discount on Veterans Day as well as every Tuesday.

Rite Aid: Active, retired military and their families get 20% off Friday and Saturday with store rewards card and coupon available at www.riteaid.com.

Sears: 20% off regular priced merchandise and 5% off sale prices for Tools and Lawn & Garden merchandise with the chain’s ongoing military discount.

Southeastern Grocers: 10% discount on qualifying purchases Saturday at BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores.

Target: Through Saturday, 10% discount on in-store and online purchases for veterans, active military, spouses and dependent children. Register for this discount at www.target.com.

TOMS: 15% off all full-priced items through Nov. 15. Redeem the offer at www.toms.com/military-discount.

Toys R Us: 15% off in-store purchases through Sturday with coupon and ID.

Tractor Supply: 15% discount Saturday for active and former military and their dependents.

Walgreens: 20% off eligible regular-price items Saturday for all veterans, military and their families with Balance Rewards card and proof of military service.

World Market: 25% off entire purchase through Sunday, in-store only.

Worx Tools: 10% discount. Learn more at www.worx.com/military-discount-program.

Travel discounts

Carnival Cruise Line: Through Tuesday, Carnival has a special booking promotion for active and retired military personnel that provides a $50 on-board credit per cabin plus a two-category upgrade and reduced deposits from $99 per person, which can be combined with Early Saver rates.

Knott's Berry Farm: Free admission for active, retired and veteran U.S. military personnel and one guest through Nov. 16 and from Nov. 27 through Dec. 15. Learn more at www.knotts.com/tickets-passes/promotions.

National parks: No entrance fees Saturday and Sunday to more than 100 national parks. This deal isn't only for veterans and military — it's for everyone.

Museums: Across the country, many museums including the Montclair Art Museum in New Jersey, are offering free admission for veterans Saturday. Some also are offering discounts for family members. Many zoos and aquariums nationwide will have free admission, too.

Recreation areas: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is waiving day use fees for veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families at the more than 2,800 recreation areas nationwide on Veterans Day.

Red Roof: 40% off discount for active duty or retired military members when they book on www.redroof.com through Nov. 22 with its Home for the Holidays discount good for stays through the end of February.

Sea World and Busch Gardens: Sign up online for the Waves of Honor program to get free or discounted admission to select Sea World and Busch Gardens parks. Learn more and sign up at www.wavesofhonor.com.

Super 8: 20% discount for active military members, veterans and their families for trips booked now through Dec. 4 and taken by July 31. Also veterans get preferred parking. Learn more at www.super8.com/military.

Westgate Resorts: The company is honoring U.S. military personnel and their families by giving away 1,500 free vacations. Beginning Friday at 9 a.m. EST, the first 1,500 eligible service members to complete the online military appreciation form at www.westgatesalutes.com and place a fully refundable $100 deposit can sign up for either one of 1,400 complimentary four-day, three-night vacations for up to four people at Westgate Town Center Resort & Spa, May 3-6, or one of 100 three-day, two-night vacations for up to two people at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Dec. 8-10, 2017.

World of Coca-Cola: Active-duty, reserves and retirees get free admission year-round but through Sunday, members of the Armed Forces also may purchase up to four half-price general admission tickets for their friends and family.

Kelly Tyko is a columnist for Treasure Coast Newspapers and TCPalm.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. This column reflects her opinion. Read her Bargainista tips at TCPalm.com/Bargainista and follow her on Twitter @KellyTyko. Sign up for her weekly newsletter at www.tcpalm.com/featured-newsletter/bargainistabest.