For veterans, this is the three-day weekend to stop counting calories and start devouring free food. With patriotism at the top of their menus, many major names in casual and family dining will be offering free food - from doughnuts to pancakes to pizza to entire meals - this Sunday, Veterans Day, or the day before or after.

Most freebies are available to active, inactive, and retired military.

Here's some of the free food on tap:

(Dates, hours and restrictions differ for each chain. Check websites or Facebook pages for details)

Doughnuts: Krispy Kreme will hand out free doughnuts (and free small coffee) to vets on Sunday.

Pizza: California Pizza Kitchen offers free pizza and non-alcoholic beverages on Sunday or Monday.

Pancakes: Denny's will have all-you-can-eat pancakes for vets on Monday to "highlight our loyalty to such a key demographic."

Wings: Hooters offers vets 10 free boneless wings on Sunday, if they purchase a drink.

Bagels: Einstein Bros. Bagels will give out free Signature or Classic bagels to vets this Sunday.

Cookies: Great American Cookies will let vets, either in uniform, carrying military ID or proof of service, pick a free regular cookie of their choice on Sunday.

Appetizers: Red Lobster on Sunday gives out free appetizers - even Lobster Pizza. Outback has free Bloomin' Onion appetizers and soft drinks on Sunday and Monday.

Meals: T.G.I. Friday's lets vets pick any lunch item for free on Monday. Free meals for vets are available Sunday at Olive Garden, Applebees, McComick & Schmicks, Bar Louie's and Chili's; and Monday at Golden Corral.

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