Friday, November 11th, is Veterans Day, so let this be your reminder to not only thank a Rockford veteran for their service, but offer to take them to lunch; it could be free.

According to USA Today, many national restaurant chains and stores in the Rockford area are offering discounts on food, drinks and in some cases, free meals, as their way of saying "thank you" to local vets. Proof of service is required and in some cases, a uniform is acceptable.

Here is the list:

Applebees: Free meal from a special menu and get a $5 coupon that can be redeemed Nov. 12-27.

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

Chipotle: From 3 p.m. to close, all U.S. military, military spouses and veterans get a buy one get one free burrito, bowl, salad or tacos.

Chili's: Free meal from a special menu.

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

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

IHOP: Free red, white and blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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

Olive Garden: Free meal from a select menu.

Panera Bread: Free You-Pick-Two with proof of military service.

Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert Nov. 10 and 11.

Starbucks: Free tall coffee to veterans, active-duty military and military spouses.

Steak and Shake: From 6 to 11 a.m. and dine-in only, veterans request the "Veterans Day Special" for a free homestyle breakfast.

For more deals, click here.

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