Why Presidents’ Day Matters for Army Veterans and Their Families
Presidents’ Day Discounts For Army Veterans offer some of the year’s best savings opportunities, with major retailers providing up to 70% off mattresses, appliances, and electronics—often stackable with year-round military discounts of 10% or more. The holiday falls on Monday, February 16, 2026, and sales typically run from February 14-17 across categories like home improvement, furniture, and travel.
Quick Overview: Top Presidents’ Day Savings for Army Veterans
- AAFES Exchange: 15% off food (Feb 17), 10% off clothing/shoes (Feb 14-17) with MILITARY STAR® card
- Home Depot & Lowe’s: 10% military discount stacks with Presidents’ Day tool and appliance sales
- National Parks: Free lifetime access to 2,000+ sites for veterans and Gold Star Families
- Major Retailers: Kohl’s (up to 70% off), mattress brands (up to $1,000 off), electronics deals
- Verification: Military ID, veteran ID card, DD214, or ID.me for online purchases
For most civilians, Presidents’ Day means a three-day weekend and mattress commercials. For Army veterans and their families, it’s a chance to honor the 31 out of 45 U.S. Presidents who served in the military while accessing exclusive discounts that recognize your service. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service alone has provided $15 billion in value to the military community over the last decade through pricing programs and special promotions like these Presidents’ Day deals.
Whether you’re shopping for big-ticket items like appliances and furniture or planning family activities at presidential historical sites, knowing which retailers offer the best military-friendly deals can save you hundreds of dollars. Many companies extend their discounts to spouses and dependents, and verification is typically straightforward through platforms like ID.me or by presenting your military ID at checkout.
I’m Larry Fowler, publisher of USMilitary.com Network since 2007, where we’ve helped millions of active-duty service members and veterans navigate benefits and savings opportunities, including Presidents’ Day Discounts For Army Veterans. My team and I track these promotions year-round to ensure our military community gets the recognition and value they’ve earned through their service.
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Understanding Presidents’ Day Discounts For Army Veterans
For those of us who have served in the Army, Presidents’ Day—officially recognized as Washington’s Birthday—is more than just a federal holiday. It is a day to reflect on the legacy of the Commander-in-Chief. It is a historical fact that 31 out of our 45 U.S. Presidents served in the military, with many holding high-ranking roles in the Army specifically. George Washington was the General of the Armies, and others like Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower led as Generals of the Army before taking the oath of office.
On February 16, 2026, the nation will pause to honor these leaders. Across the country, military units will perform 21-gun salutes, and historical sites will host wreath-laying ceremonies. But beyond the formal observances, the commercial landscape transforms into a major opportunity for the veteran community.
The significance of Presidents’ Day Discounts For Army Veterans lies in the timing. February is often a “shoulder month” for retail, making it the first major sales event after the winter holidays. Because the holiday honors presidential service, many brands feel a particular duty to offer enhanced savings to those who followed in the footsteps of our veteran presidents.
One of the most valuable “discounts” available is actually a permanent benefit that shines during this holiday: the National Park Service free access program. Veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible for a free lifetime Military Pass, granting entry to over 2,000 federal recreation sites. This is perfect for visiting presidential historical sites or national battlefields over the long weekend without spending a dime on entrance fees.
Top Retailers and Home Goods Deals
When it comes to big-ticket items, Presidents’ Day is the gold standard for savings. We often see the deepest cuts on mattresses, appliances, and home furniture. For Army veterans, the real “win” happens when you find a retailer that allows you to stack a holiday sale price with a standard military discount.
| Category | Typical Presidents’ Day Sale | Year-Round Military Discount | Total Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mattresses | 20% – 50% Off | 10% – 30% Off | Up to 60% Off |
| Appliances | 10% – 35% Off | 10% Off | Up to 45% Off |
| Electronics | 10% – 25% Off | 10% Off | Up to 35% Off |
| Tools | 15% – 40% Off | 10% Off | Up to 50% Off |
Brands like Apple provide a dedicated Apple military store where veterans and their families can receive 10% off products and accessories year-round. During Presidents’ Day, while Apple rarely discounts their hardware further, they often offer increased trade-in values or gift cards with purchase, which can be combined with that 10% base discount.
Top Retailers Offering Presidents’ Day Discounts For Army Veterans
If you are looking to refresh your wardrobe or home decor, keep an eye on these major players:
- Kohl’s: Often features sales up to 70% off. While their 15% military discount is typically a “Military Mondays” event, they frequently extend this to the full Presidents’ Day weekend for in-store shoppers.
- Saks Fifth Avenue: Known for luxury brands, they offer up to 70% off during holiday clearance events.
- Mattress Brands: Companies like Nectar Sleep (30-50% off), Amerisleep (up to $1,000 off), and Saatva ($400+ off) are legendary for their Presidents’ Day promotions. Most of these brands also offer a 10-25% military discount through ID.me that can often be applied to the sale price.
- Columbia Sportswear: They offer a solid military discount for veterans. If you run into issues with your order, their Columbia Sportswear care team is very military-friendly.
Home Improvement and Tool Savings
For the DIYers in the Army veteran community, Home Depot and Lowe’s are the places to be. Both retailers offer a 10% military discount year-round, but Presidents’ Day is when they drop prices on major appliance suites and tool sets.
- Home Depot: We recommend checking their “Special Buys” on appliances. Their 10% military discount applies to select in-stock purchases, though there is a $400 maximum annual discount limit. It’s a great time to buy that new lawnmower or smart home security system.
- Lowe’s: Often rivals Home Depot with similar appliance deals. Their military discount is easy to manage through their MyLowe’s program, which links your veteran status directly to your account for online and in-store use.
Check out our guide on does home depot offer military discount for more details on eligibility.
Exclusive AAFES and MILITARY STAR® Promotions
One of the best-kept secrets for maximizing Presidents’ Day Discounts For Army Veterans is the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). As the 52nd-largest retailer in the U.S., the Exchange is a powerhouse for veteran savings, especially because everything is tax-free.
For 2026, the Exchange is expected to roll out significant deals centered around the MILITARY STAR® card. This card isn’t just for active duty; many veterans are eligible to use it, and the benefits during holiday weekends are massive.
Expected 2026 Presidents’ Day Promotions (Feb 14-17):
- Extra 10% Off: Cardholders typically receive an additional 10% off clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories on top of already discounted holiday prices.
- Food Savings: On February 17 (the holiday itself), cardholders often get 15% off food purchases at participating Exchange restaurants.
- Concession Deals: Look for coupons at central checkouts for $10 off concession purchases of $25 or more.
- Fuel Savings: You always get 5¢ off every gallon of fuel at Exchange express stations.
The Exchange has provided over $15 billion in value to our community over the last decade. By using the MILITARY STAR card, you can Maximize the MILITARY STAR® Savings and ensure that 100% of the earnings go back into supporting quality-of-life programs for fellow soldiers.
Travel, Entertainment, and Community Events
Presidents’ Day is a fantastic time for a family road trip. Since many Army veterans live near major installations or in states with rich military history, there are plenty of local events to attend.
Historical Sites and Free Admissions
If you are in the Virginia or D.C. area, the George Washington Birthday Parade in Alexandria is the largest of its kind in the country. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the local veteran community and see historical re-enactments.
Other sites offering free or discounted admission include:
- Mount Vernon: Celebrate Washington’s birthday with free admission and special Mount Vernon events like wreath-layings and military music.
- Mary Washington’s House: Often hosts free events along with the Rising Sun Tavern and Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop.
- National Constitution Center: Admission is typically FREE on Presidents’ Day. They offer a deep dive into the role of the President as Commander-in-Chief, which is highly relevant to our service. Check their National Constitution Center calendar for specific 2026 details.
- George Washington Memorial: Free admission is often offered on the weekend closest to his actual birthday (Feb 22).
Dining and Entertainment Specials
After a day of sightseeing or shopping, many restaurants offer Presidents’ Day Discounts For Army Veterans. While some deals are holiday-specific, many restaurants have year-round appreciation programs that are worth utilizing:
- Bonefish Grill: 10% off the check for heroes, including veterans, every single day.
- Outback Steakhouse: Their “Heroes Discount” offers 10% off to all service members and veterans.
- Texas de Brazil: Offers a 15% discount for veterans and up to three guests (excluding holidays, so check if they apply it on the Monday of Presidents’ Day).
- Cinemark & Regal Cinemas: Most locations offer military pricing at the box office. It’s a great way to catch a movie during the long weekend for a few dollars less.
For more food options, see our lists for olive garden veterans day 2024 and applebees offers free veterans day meal again to see which chains have the most consistent veteran support.
How to Maximize Your Savings
To get the most out of Presidents’ Day Discounts For Army Veterans, you need to be prepared. Retailers have become much more tech-savvy, and “showing your ID” now often happens online before you even reach the checkout page.
- Get Verified with ID.me: This is the gold standard for online military verification. Once you set up an account and upload your DD214 or verify via your service record, you can unlock discounts at thousands of retailers instantly.
- Stack Your Discounts: Always look for promo codes that can be used in addition to your military discount. For example, if a store is having a 20% off Presidents’ Day sale, check if your 10% veteran discount can be applied on top of that.
- Use the Right Credit Card: If you are shopping at the Exchange, use your MILITARY STAR card. If you are shopping elsewhere, use a card that offers cash back on the specific category (like 3% back on home improvement).
- Shop Early and Online: Many Presidents’ Day sales start as early as February 12th. Shopping online allows you to compare prices across different retailers without the “mosh pit” experience of a holiday mall crowd.
We maintain a list of Veteran discounts available year round that you should bookmark. These are vetted and updated to ensure you never miss a chance to save.
Frequently Asked Questions about Presidents’ Day Discounts For Army Veterans
When is Presidents’ Day 2026?
Presidents’ Day 2026 falls on Monday, February 16. However, most Presidents’ Day Discounts For Army Veterans will begin on Friday, February 13, and run through the end of the day on Monday.
What documentation do I need for military discounts?
For in-person shopping, a valid DoD ID card, Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), or a driver’s license with a veteran designation is usually sufficient. For online shopping, you will likely need to verify your status through ID.me, SheerID, or GOVX. If you’ve recently separated, having a digital copy of your DD214 is always a good idea.
Can I stack military discounts with holiday sales?
It depends on the retailer. Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s generally allow their 10% discount to apply to sale items, though some exclusions (like lumber or certain brands) may apply. Always ask the associate or check the “Terms and Conditions” online. At the AAFES Exchange, the MILITARY STAR card discounts are almost always stackable with holiday sales.
Conclusion
At USMilitary.com, we believe that your service to this country deserves to be recognized every day, not just on federal holidays. Presidents’ Day Discounts For Army Veterans are a practical way for the civilian sector to say “thank you” while helping you manage your household budget.
Whether you’re taking advantage of the tax-free deals at the Exchange, upgrading your home with help from Home Depot, or taking your family to a National Park for free, these benefits are yours because you earned them. We encourage you to explore our other benefit guides and financial planning resources to stay informed on all the rewards available to the Army veteran community.
Happy shopping, and thank you for your service!
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