(WWJ) Each year, people across Metro Detroit and the nation set aside a special day, November 11, to honor and thank those who have bravely served in the U.S. armed forces.
Here are some of the top events and giveaways in Southeast Michigan for Veterans Day 2025:
- The City of Farmington Hills Special Services Adults 50 & Better Division will host its 29th annual Veterans Day Celebration to honor local veterans on Tuesday, at 11 a.m. The event will be held at the Costick Activities Center, located at 28600 W. Eleven Mile Road in Farmington Hills. Learn more.
- The City of Sterling Heights will hold its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Sterling Heights Senior Center (40200 Utica Road). All veterans, families, and community members are invited to pay tribute to those who bravely served our country. This year’s keynote speaker will be Army veteran and Sterling Heights Police Department Sergeant Jassin Hakim. Learn more.
- The public is invited to join Washtenaw Community College (WCC) in honoring the courage and sacrifice of America’s service members during its 2025 Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday. An indoor ceremony and reception will be from 9:45 a.m.-11 a.m. on the second floor of the Student Center near the Wadhams Veterans Center. Learn more.
- In Rochester Hills, the public is invited to a Veterans Day Ceremony to recognize and honor the men and women who serve and have served in our armed forces. The ceremony will be held on Tuesday from 11 a.m.-noon at Veterans Memorial Pointe on Livernois Rd. Learn more.
- Emagine Entertainment will be recognizing and honoring military service members by inviting them and a guest to see a movie of their choice for FREE on Tuesday. For one day only, all active military and veterans can visit the box office at any Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota Emagine Theatre location and receive a ticket, for them and a guest, for any film* of their choosing. Military ID or discharge papers required. Find a location.
- Savvy Sliders honors our Veterans and Military members with a FREE sandwich on Tuesday. Active military and veterans can visit any Savvy Sliders location and receive one FREE Original or Fried Chicken Slider. To redeem this in-store only offer, service members must provide either their Military Service ID Card or their discharge papers. Valid on Veterans Day only, in-store only. Find a location.
- On Tuesday, Sheetz invites all veterans and active duty military personnel to enjoy a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink at any of Sheetz’s 800+ store locations. The offer includes extras & add-ons to the sub. Sheetz will also provide a free car wash ($9 value) to veterans and active duty military. Military ID or proof of service must be presented to qualify. Find a location.
- On Veterans Day, the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak is offering FRE zoo admission and parking for veterans and active-duty service members (plus one guest). The zoo is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Learn more.
- The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn invites all active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families (limit ix guests per party) to visit Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation FREE of charge in honor of the observed holiday. Simply present your military ID at any ticketing counter when you arrive. Learn more.
- On Tuesday, veterans and active military service members can visit any Great Clips salon in the U.S. in recognition of Veterans Day to receive a free haircut or a card to be used during a future visit. Non-military customers can also participate in the 'Thank a Veteran' program by visiting a Great Clips salon on November 11, and l receive a free haircut card to pay it forward to a veteran or active military service member. The cards will be redeemable through December 5, 2025. Learn more.
- On Veterans Day, veterans, military service members and military spouses can enjoy a free tall (12 fl. oz) hot or iced brewed coffee at participating U.S. Starbucks stores. Offer valid 11/11/2025 on café and drive-thru orders only. Cold Brew, Nitro and beverage customizations are excluded. Limit one per customer per visit. Learn more.
- On November 11 only, all past and present armed services members can enjoy 10 free boneless wings and fries at Buffalo Wild Wings by showing a valid Military ID. This offer is only available for dine-in orders, or walk-in orders placed at the counter. Find a location.
Want more? There's a lot of free stuff out there for vets on Tuesday! 'We Salute' has a pretty comprehensive list at this link.