Free Veterans Day Offers In Smithfield Nc A Guide To Local Deals And Freebies For Military Members
Veterans Day in Smithfield, North Carolina, is a time of gratitude and appreciation for the service and sacrifice of U.S. military members. Each year, local businesses and national chains offer a variety of free meals, discounts, and special events to honor veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. These offers are often location-specific and may vary from year to year, so it is important to review the details of each promotion to ensure eligibility and proper preparation.
Smithfield, located in Johnston County, has a range of Veteran Day events and deals that are accessible to those with valid military identification. While the focus of this article is on food and dining promotions, it is also worth noting that other local businesses may offer non-food-related freebies, such as car washes, train rides, or special entertainment.
This guide compiles verified information from local and national sources to help veterans and active-duty military members take full advantage of the available offers in Smithfield. Below, we provide an overview of the promotions and their specific details, including participating locations, required documentation, and any additional terms or restrictions.
Verified Veterans Day Dining Offers in Smithfield, NC
Golden Corral – Free Meal on Veterans Day
One of the most well-known Veterans Day free meal offers in North Carolina is provided by Golden Corral, a buffet-style restaurant chain. In Smithfield, Golden Corral offers a free meal to veterans and active-duty military members on November 11, the official Veterans Day date.
- Eligibility: Active-duty, National Guard, Reserves, retirees, and veterans are all eligible.
- Free Meal Time: Available from 4:00 PM until closing on Veterans Day.
- Dine-in Only: The free meal must be consumed on-site; takeout or delivery is not included.
- Guests: Family members or guests of military members will need to pay the regular price for their meals.
- Required Documentation: No military ID is required to receive the free meal. A simple statement from the guest about their service is typically sufficient.
Golden Corral also partners with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization to raise funds for veterans in need. Over the years, this partnership has contributed over $19.5 million.
Additional Dining Offers
While Golden Corral is the most prominently mentioned restaurant in Smithfield for Veterans Day, it is also worth noting that other national chains often provide similar offers. For example:
Applebee's
Veterans can receive a complimentary dine-in entrée when they show their military ID at Applebee's on Veterans Day.
- Eligibility: Active-duty and retired military members.
- Offer Includes: Choices include a 6-ounce top-choice sirloin or a popular bacon cheeseburger.
- Restrictions: Must dine in and present a valid military ID.
IHOP
IHOP offers a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo to veterans on November 11.
- Eligibility: Veterans only.
- Offer Includes: 2 eggs, hash browns, and two strips of bacon or two pork sausage links.
- Time Period: Available from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Restrictions: Dine-in only at participating locations.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars offers a free Hot-n-Ready Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military members.
- Eligibility: Veterans and active-duty service members.
- Offer Includes: Four slices of Detroit-style pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.
- Time Period: Available from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- Restrictions: Available only at participating locations.
Menchie’s
Menchie’s offers a free 6-ounce frozen yogurt to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day.
- Eligibility: Active-duty and veterans.
- Required Documentation: Must show a military ID.
- Offer Includes: One 6-ounce free frozen yogurt at any participating location.
Perry’s Steakhouse (Raleigh)
While Perry’s Steakhouse is located in Raleigh, it is relevant for those in the Triangle area who may be willing to travel for a special Veterans Day meal. The restaurant offers:
- Complimentary 32 oz. Dinner Cut Pork Chop.
- Military Menu for $39, featuring signature dishes.
This offer is available from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on November 11, at the Raleigh location.
Piada’s Italian Street Food
Piada offers a free entrée to veterans and active-duty military members at any Piada location on Veterans Day.
- Eligibility: Veterans and active-duty service members.
- Restrictions: No specific military ID is required.
- Offer Includes: One free entrée.
Other Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts in Smithfield and the Surrounding Area
Beyond food and dining, there are several other types of freebies and discounts that veterans may be eligible for in the Smithfield area.
Autobell Car Wash
Autobell offers a free Ride-Thru Exterior wash to veterans on Veterans Day.
- Eligibility: Active-duty, retired, and veterans.
- Offer Includes: One free exterior wash or an equivalent credit toward another wash option.
- Locations: All Autobell locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.
- Restrictions: No coupon, barcode, or ID is required.
New Hope Valley Railway
The New Hope Valley Railway offers free train rides to military service members on Veterans Day.
- Eligibility: Active-duty and veterans.
- Offer Includes: Free train ride on specific dates.
- Requirements: Must bring a military ID or a copy of DD214.
- Available Dates:
- Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM
- Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 10:30 AM
- Location: New Hope Valley Railway, 3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill, NC.
Guests of the military member can ride at the regular price.
Black River Paintball – Angier, NC
Although not in Smithfield, Black River Paintball in Angier, NC is within the Triangle area and offers a free admission and rental equipment for veterans on November 11.
- Eligibility: Veterans.
- Offer Time: From 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Requirements: No specific military ID is required.
Events and Ceremonies in the Smithfield Area
In addition to dining and shopping offers, Smithfield and surrounding areas host several ceremonies and events to honor military service members.
Johnston County Veterans Council – Smithfield Ceremony
- Date: May 26, 2025.
- Event: Memorial Day Ceremony at the county courthouse.
- Details:
- Features guest speakers, veterans' stories, and a laying of wreaths.
- The event will be livestreamed on the county's YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.
Apex Veterans Day Ceremony
- Date: November 11, 2025.
- Location: Downtown Service Memorial on Salem Street.
- Details:
- Members of Apex public safety, Apex Town Council, and the local community will share stories and hold space for reflection.
- Ceremony begins at 9:30 AM.
Additional Local Events
Other nearby communities such as Durham, Cary, and Fayetteville also hold Veterans Day events. These include:
- Durham County Veterans Day Ceremony: Features a roll call of local service members who have died in service.
- Cary Veterans Day Remembrance: Hosted at Veterans Freedom Park, with remarks from the town council and performances by the Cary Town Band.
- Fayetteville National Cemetery Ceremony: Includes a wreath-laying ceremony, music, and guest speakers.
Tips for Maximizing Veterans Day Offers in Smithfield
To make the most of Veterans Day promotions and freebies in Smithfield, consider the following tips:
Bring a Valid Military ID: While some offers do not require one, many do. Make sure to carry a valid ID or a copy of a DD214 for events like the New Hope Valley Railway.
Plan Ahead: Many offers are time-sensitive. For example, Golden Corral’s free meal is only available from 4:00 PM until closing, and Little Caesars’ offer is limited to 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Verify Eligibility: Some promotions are limited to veterans only, while others include active-duty members or retirees. Check the terms for each offer before visiting.
Check for Guest Restrictions: Some offers require that only the military member receives the free item, while guests must pay. Be aware of these rules when planning to bring family or friends.
Review Participating Locations: Not all restaurants or businesses in the area may participate in every offer. Confirm with the business or visit the official website to see if the location is participating.
Stay Informed: Follow local news sources or the websites of participating restaurants to stay updated on any last-minute changes or additions to the list of promotions.
Conclusion
Veterans Day in Smithfield, North Carolina, offers a range of opportunities for military members and their families to enjoy free meals, discounts, and special events. From Golden Corral’s long-standing free meal offer to car washes, train rides, and special dining deals, there is something for everyone. By planning ahead and verifying eligibility, veterans and active-duty service members can take full advantage of the available offers.
It is also important to note that the spirit of Veterans Day goes beyond the meals and discounts. Events such as the Johnston County Veterans Council ceremony and Apex Memorial Day ceremony provide meaningful ways to honor and reflect on the service of our nation’s military members.
For those in the Smithfield area, the combination of local businesses and national chains ensures that Veterans Day is a time of both appreciation and celebration.
Sources
Latest Articles
- Free Attractions and Activities in Daytona Beach for Budget-Conscious Travelers
- How To Get Free Products For Reviews And Testing From Legit Companies
- Free Wedding Supplies And Gifts You Can Receive By Mail
- Free Items And Promotional Offers In West Palm Beach Florida
- Free Perks And Promotional Offers Available Through Verizon For Us Customers
- How To Find Free Items On Craigslist And Other Free-Stuff Platforms
- Free Activities And Attractions In St Petersburg Florida A Guide For Budget-Conscious Travelers
- Free And Budget-Friendly Activities To Enjoy In Rockford Il
- Free Activities And Experiences To Enjoy In Prague Without Spending A Penny
- Free Activities And Attractions In Olympia Washington