Veterans and Troops Eat Free at Applebee's on Veterans Day Monday

As a way of saying thank you for selfless service and sacrifice, Applebee's in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, including the Riverhead location, have invited veterans and troops to eat for free on Veterans Day Monday.

Monday will mark the fifth year the restaurant has offered the free meals nationwide — and the goal is to top the 1,024,000 meals served last year.

Last year alone, over 10,000 free meals were served across Long Island.

“It’s our distinct pleasure to honor our veterans and those actively serving in the U.S. military with a complimentary meal at Applebee’s,” Kurt Pahlitzsch, director of operations for Doherty Enterprises, franchisee for the Long Island Applebee’s, said. “For our staff, it’s one of their favorite days. They enjoy serving the men and women of all ages who have served our country and love hearing their shared stories and seeing them reunite with long-time friends.”

A special menu will include a seven-oz. house sirloin, a bacon cheddar cheeseburger, three-cheese chicken and sundried tomato penne, a chicken tenders platter, Oriental chicken salad, fiesta lime chicken, and double crunch shrimp.

Applebee's in Riverhead will open for lunch at 11 a.m. and close at midnight.

Veterans or troops will need to provide proof of service, including a 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.

Offer is valid for dine-in only; traditional sides are included with the free entrees; appetizers, upgraded side items or extras, beverages, desserts and gratuity are not included.

In addition, in 2011, Applebee's launched a "Thank You Movement," as a way for citizens to express their gratitude to those in the Armed Forces. To send a thank you message, click here. This year, the town and community with the most thank yous will receive a free concert for veterans by Gavin DeGraw.