Veterans Day is a significant occasion in the United States, dedicated to honoring military veterans for their service. Across the country, numerous businesses and organizations participate by offering free meals, discounts, and special events. For residents of Smithfield, North Carolina, and the surrounding Johnston County area, a variety of these offers are available. This guide compiles verified information on Veterans Day freebies and discounts accessible in Smithfield, drawing exclusively from recent and reliable source data. It focuses on dining, automotive services, local attractions, and other promotional opportunities, providing clear details on eligibility, availability, and redemption processes.
Dining and Restaurant Offers
Dining establishments are among the most prominent contributors to Veterans Day freebies, offering complimentary meals to active duty military personnel, veterans, and sometimes reserves and retirees. These offers typically require proof of service, such as a military ID, and are often available for dine-in only. In Smithfield, several national and local chains have been confirmed to participate, with specific details outlined below.
Golden Corral, a well-known buffet restaurant, has a long-standing tradition of providing free meals to military members. According to the source data, on November 11, 2024, Golden Corral offered a free meal to any person who served in the U.S. military, available from 4 p.m. until close. Eligibility extended to active duty personnel, National Guard members, Reserves, retirees, and veterans. This offer was valid for dine-in only, and guests of military members were required to pay regular prices for their meals. A Golden Corral location in Smithfield is listed at 2618 South Horner Blvd, Sanford, which is accessible to Smithfield residents. Additionally, Golden Corral has raised funds for Disabled American Veterans, donating over $19.5 million in the past 23 years, underscoring the brand's commitment to supporting veterans beyond the free meal program.
Other restaurants offering Veterans Day deals in 2024 and 2025 include a range of national chains. For instance, Applebee's provides a complimentary dine-in entrée for veterans and active duty military on Veterans Day, with choices such as a 6-ounce top-choice sirloin or a bacon cheeseburger, upon showing a military ID. Bob Evans offers a special menu available for free to veterans and active duty military on November 11. Bonefish Grill gives veterans and active duty military a free order of Bang Bang Shrimp and a soft drink, along with a year-round 10% discount for service members. California Pizza Kitchen allows veterans and active-duty military to enjoy a free non-alcoholic beverage and a choice of one entrée from a special Veterans Day menu.
For those seeking quick-service options, Little Caesars offers a free Hot-n-Ready Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military on November 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This includes four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. IHOP provides a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo on November 11, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., served with two eggs, hash browns, and a choice of bacon or sausage links. Menchie’s offers veterans and active duty military their first 6oz of frozen yogurt free on November 11, 2025, with a military ID required. Perry’s Steakhouse in Raleigh, located at 4509 Creedmoor Road (approximately 30 miles from Smithfield), provides one complimentary 32 oz. Dinner Cut Pork Chop and a special 3-course military menu for $39 on November 11, 2025, from 4 to 9 p.m. Piada’s Italian Street Food offers a free entrée to veterans and active duty military at any location on November 11, 2025.
Additional restaurants mentioned in the source data as having offered Veterans Day deals in 2024 include BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse, Carrabba’s, Cicis Pizza, Metro Diner, O’Charley’s, Old North State Food Hall, Panera Bread, Red Lobster, and Sonic Drive-In. Consumers are advised to check social media or contact local locations for last-minute announcements, as participation may vary. For redemption, most establishments require veterans or active duty personnel to notify the crew member at the register or show a VetRewards Card or military ID. No purchase is typically necessary beyond the free item, but dine-in requirements and participation limitations should be confirmed in advance.
Automotive and Service Discounts
Veterans Day also extends to service-based businesses, offering practical benefits like free car washes. These promotions are designed to provide convenience and appreciation without requiring a purchase.
Autobell Car Wash, operating in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware, offers a free Ride-Thru Exterior wash to U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members on November 11, 2025. Alternatively, participants can receive an equivalent credit toward another wash option. This offer is available at all Autobell locations without the need for a coupon, barcode, or ID, making it highly accessible. For Smithfield residents, the nearest Autobell location would be in the broader Raleigh area, as specific Smithfield branches are not detailed in the source data.
Local Attractions and Events
In addition to dining and services, Smithfield and nearby Johnston County host Veterans Day events and provide free access to attractions for military members. These opportunities often include ceremonies, educational experiences, and recreational activities.
The Johnston County Veterans Council holds a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Johnston County Courthouse in Smithfield on May 26 (Memorial Day, distinct from Veterans Day, but relevant for broader military appreciation events). The ceremony features guest speakers, veterans' stories, and a laying of wreaths, with a livestream available on the county's YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person. While this is a Memorial Day event, it highlights the county's active engagement in honoring service members, and similar Veterans Day ceremonies may be organized locally.
For transportation and recreational activities, New Hope Valley Railway in nearby New Hill, North Carolina (about 20 miles from Smithfield), offers free train rides to military service members on Veterans Day. Specific ride times in 2025 include Sunday, November 9 at 1 p.m., and Thursday, November 13 at 10:30 a.m. Participants must order a free ticket and present a military ID or copy of their DD214 at the Ticket Office on the day of the event. Guests of the military member can ride at regular price.
Other North Carolina attractions providing Veterans Day freebies include the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, which offers free admission on November 11 to veterans, active, reserve, or retired members of the U.S. military with valid service ID or proof of service. Tryon Palace in New Bern provides free admission plus benefits for dependents and minor children on November 11. Black River Paintball in Angier offers free admission and free rental equipment on November 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wave Transit in Wilmington provides free bus and DART travel on Veterans Day, with fares reinstated on November 16.
In Smithfield specifically, the Veterans Day coverage includes events like parades, ceremonies, and festivals, though specific details for 2025 are not fully enumerated in the source data. Consumers should consult local listings or official Johnston County websites for up-to-date information on Smithfield-based events.
Other Freebies and Discounts
Beyond food and attractions, the source data mentions miscellaneous freebies available to veterans in North Carolina and other states. For example, Rainbow Cleaners in Troy, New York, offers 10% off civilian wear and free cleaning of military uniforms through November 14, 2020 (note: this date is historical and may not reflect current offers; verify for 2025). In North Carolina, Carolina Laser & Cosmetic Center in Winston-Salem provides free laser tattoo removal consultations on November 11, requiring a call and valid veteran ID. Cash Wise Foods in North Dakota offers a free Chicken Dinner on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for active duty, National Guard, Reserve, former military, and retired military (half-price for guests), though this is not in Smithfield.
For New York State residents (included in source data for broader context), free fishing days on Veterans Day allow anyone to fish without a license, and Pinz Milford in New Hartford offers free bowling and shoe rental. West Point Exchange Mall provides local discounts on merchandise and free coffee. Resorts World Casino in Queens gives $10 free play to Veteran's Genting Rewards Club members. Finger Lakes Gaming in Farmington offers Veterans Day Free Play for veterans.
In Smithfield, no additional non-dining freebies are explicitly detailed beyond the restaurant and attraction options. However, the comprehensive list suggests that veterans should always carry proof of service and check with local businesses for unadvertised offers.
Eligibility and Redemption Guidelines
Eligibility for Veterans Day freebies generally includes active duty military, National Guard, Reserves, retirees, and veterans, as confirmed across multiple sources. Proof of service is often required, such as a military ID, DD214 form, or VetRewards Card. Some offers, like Autobell's car wash, do not require ID, while others, like Menchie's frozen yogurt, strictly enforce it.
Redemption processes vary: most dining offers are dine-in only and available on November 11 during specified hours. No purchase is typically needed for free items, but guests accompanying veterans may pay regular prices. For events like New Hope Valley Railway rides, advance ticket ordering and on-site verification are necessary. Always confirm participation with the specific location, as not all branches of a chain may offer the deal.
Consumers should note that while the source data provides reliable details from 2024 and 2025, offers can change annually. Verifying through official brand websites or local news is recommended for the most current information.
Conclusion
Veterans Day in Smithfield, North Carolina, offers a meaningful array of freebies and discounts to honor military service. From free meals at Golden Corral and other restaurants to complimentary car washes at Autobell and train rides at New Hope Valley Railway, these opportunities provide tangible appreciation for veterans and active duty personnel. Local events in Johnston County further enhance the observance, though specifics for Smithfield require checking current listings. By understanding eligibility rules and redemption steps, veterans can fully access these benefits. This guide, based solely on verified source data, empowers consumers to navigate these offers with confidence, ensuring a respectful and rewarding Veterans Day experience.