Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that recognizes and remembers the people who have died while serving in the US Armed Forces. As a veteran, this is one of the holidays that is dear to my heart. So many have given their lives from the beginning of our country in our Revolution to become our own country. There is also the two big wars dubbed WW1 and WW2 where the life expectancy of a soldier was not very good. We also had Vietnam, Korea, Iraq, and now the war on terrorism which is entirely different in itself. I hope all of you readers take pause and remember those brave soldiers past and present in what they are sacrificing to make our country what it is.

Now, on to the reason of this article. Memorial Day is one of those days a lot of theme parks recognize and do their bit to appreciate the sacrifices of our soldiers. I reached out to a few of the entertainment venues in the Tampa Bay area and found a lot of good deals.

BUSCH GARDENS

As they near the introduction of Cobra’s Curse Busch gardens, they introduced a program on April 25th. Sea World Entertainment has always had the Waves of Honor program for active military, but this short term offering is expanded to to active, retired, and honorably separated officers and enlisted of the US Armed Forces. This allows you to get a 50% off up to 6 single day admission tickets. The tickets must be purchased through id.me verification system. Tickets must be bought and used by May 30th.

LOWRY PARK ZOO

The Lowry Park ZOO has a long-standing tradition of recognizing the military and Memorial Day is no different.  At the zoo active, retired, and veterans of the armed forces receive a free admission for themselves and a guest and further discounted tickets of $15 each if done in the same transaction. Details can be read here.

FLORIDA AQUARIUM

I first went to the Florida Aquarium last year on a veteran promotion and wow, this is a place to see. The aquarium is offering a free admission to active, retired, veteran, or a guardsman and one guest. They are also discounting further tickets for $10. ID required at booth when getting tickets.

MOSI

I have never been to MOSI and seriously thinking Memorial Day may be the day I go. They have quite an offering for the military. First, current service members with ID and up to five family members will be able to explore for free from the start of Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 28, 2016 through the end of Labor Day weekend on Monday, September 5, 2016. Second, veterans of the U.S. military who have served in the past are invited to MOSI for free during Memorial Day weekend, May 28 – 30, 2016. Veterans can also bring along up to five family members for free. Evidence of prior military service is required. Third, is your spouse active and cannot go with you? They have a resolution for that also. Military members do not need to be present for their families to visit MOSI; the free admission program is available to any bearer of a DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty U.S. military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps – and up to five family members.

LEGOLAND

Legoland Florida has been awesome the past few years of honoring the veterans during November and Veteran’s Day. I was not able to find out any information whether they are doing anything or not for Memorial Day, but if interested in going, I encourage you to contact them directly at 877-350-5346.

Traditionally, restaurants get on board with offerings of free or discounted dinners during Veteran’s Day. The same is also true on Memorial day and these are the offering I could find in the Tampa Bay area. Please remember, if taking advantage of a free meals, tip your server as if you were tipping the amount you would have paid for the meal if it wasn’t free. They are working hard to appreciate you, let’s appreciate them in return.

HOOTERS

My favorite hangout and where I am writing this article now in Sarasota, Florida. They are offering a free meal to all military, active-duty and veterans. There is a limited menu to choose from, but do not worry, wings are on it.

SHONEYS always need more tools. 

Shoneys is offering a free burger to the military on Memorial Day. This offer is for the Southeastern US only, so we are safe.

HOME DEPOT and LOWE’S has a 10% discount for veterans this weekend. If I remember though, Lowe’s has that discount year round. SEARS has a 40% discount on tools for veterans. They know us veterans

Whether you hit an entertainment venue or stay at home for a cookout, be safe and be proud. HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!!!

David “Thrills”
The Thrill Freak @TampaAmazeMe

David “Thrills” is an avid enthusiast of thrill parks and entertainment activities in the Tampa Bay Area. He is also a proud veteran of the US Army. Be sure to follow me on twitter for live tweets or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com for any questions or concerns.