Veterans Day 2015 Sales: Deals And Steals From Stores And Restaurants Ahead Of Black Friday Shopping Madness

Citizens throughout the United States are set to celebrate veterans of the military Wednesday for the federal holiday devoted to service men and women. Many stores and restaurants throughout the country help say thank you to veterans by offering special discounts and deals to servicemen and their families.

Ride-hailing services Uber and Lyft have offered free rides to veterans who visit employment counselors. The program is in cooperation with a government initiative, launched by first lady Michelle Obama and second lady Jill Biden, which looks to help veterans transition to civilian lives. The first lady announced the deal in a tweet posted to her verified account Tuesday.

Sears department store is offering a variety of discounts to servicemen and their families through Nov. 11, including 40 percent off Kenmore appliances, 60 percent off mattresses and 40 percent off tools and appliances, according to U.S. News and World Report. Lord and Taylor, another large department store, is offering 20 percent off all sale and clearance items for everyone, as well as 15 percent off home decor and 10 percent off small electronics.

Bed, Bath and Beyond will guarantee 20 percent discounts on all in-store purchases throughout Veterans Day for veterans, active duty personnel and their spouses.

Cracker Barrel, Outback Steakhouse and Olive Garden chains are all offering free meals for veterans (restrictions apply).

Home improvement emporiums including the Home Depot and Lowe's offer 10 percent discounts year-round to veterans and their dependents. Home Depot also runs the Home Depot Foundation, a charity that has raised millions of dollars to build homes for recently returned veterans.