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Good morning, Wake County! ☀️
On this Veterans Day, we hope you wake to a sense of peace and quiet pride. Thank you for beginning your morning with us—it is an honor to share this day with you.
Today we pause to honor the men and women who have served our country with courage, dedication, and profound sacrifice. Their willingness to protect the freedoms we enjoy is a gift that continues to shape our lives. Whether through a spoken word of thanks, a moment of silent reflection, or simple acts of kindness, every expression of gratitude carries meaning.
To every veteran reading these words: we see you, we value you, and we remain deeply grateful for all you have given.
May this day bring you the respect and appreciation you so richly deserve.
I’ll see you out there in beautiful Wake!
Diane
P.S. Be sure to join our NEW Facebook Group. 👈📍
—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
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Explore North Carolina’s hidden gems, charming towns, and scenic getaways.
The Hands That Took an Oath
At North Carolina Veterans Park in downtown Fayetteville, one of the most moving things you’ll see is also one of the simplest: a raised hand. Along the outdoor walk, casts of veterans’ hands are set at shoulder height, their palms open as if they were taking the oath of service. It’s worth stopping for a moment. Each hand belonged to someone who once stood and made that promise.
Inside the visitor center, look up. A chandelier made from 33,500 military dog tags catches the light overhead. From a distance, you notice the shimmer. Then you recognize what you’re looking at, and the little pieces of metal take on a different weight.
There’s no need to hurry through this park. Walk slowly. If you’re visiting with someone who served, give them room to tell a story if they feel like sharing one. If you’re bringing children, the raised hands are a natural place to begin a conversation about what it means to make a promise and what it can take to keep it.
Plan your visit
North Carolina Veterans Park is free to visit at 300 Bragg Blvd. in Fayetteville. If you have time to linger downtown, the Airborne & Special Operations Museum is a short walk away. North Carolina Veterans Park visitor information.
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November 14th, 2026 Open House 11 am - 1 pm | Healthtrax - 8300 Health Park, Suite 125, Raleigh, NC 27615
Catch the Buzz Around Town—local news, community happenings, and stories making Wake County hum!
Where Veterans Can Eat Free in Wake County on Veterans Day 2026
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 · From a pancake breakfast to a barbecue dinner, here are places thanking veterans with free food or coffee in Wake County. Most restaurant offers also cover active-duty military. Bring proof of service and check with your location before heading out, since participation and hours can vary. news.va.gov
Local and Regional Spots
Carolina Ale House · Raleigh, Cary, Garner and Wake Forest. Veterans can get a free half-rack rib platter, dine-in with proof of service. Find your Carolina Ale House. The American Legion
NC State Dining · Raleigh. The university is serving a free meal for NC State faculty, staff and student veterans at Fountain Dining Hall, 2520 Sullivan Dr., 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Clark Dining Hall, 221 Jensen Dr., 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; and Case Dining Hall, 240 Jeter Dr., 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Check NC State’s event details. NC State University Calendar
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar · Raleigh area. From 11 a.m.–4 p.m., veterans and active-duty military can get a free All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side. Dine-in with military ID or proof of service. Find a Bad Daddy’s location. Triangle on the Cheap
Wild Wing Cafe · Brier Creek, Raleigh. The Raleigh restaurant’s event listing offers veterans and active-duty military six free wings or nuggets at 7900 Brier Creek Pkwy. Check with Wild Wing Cafe Raleigh. happeningnext.com
Free Meals at National Chains
Denny’s · Raleigh. Free Original Grand Slam, 5 a.m.–noon. Dine-in with military ID or DD-214. Raleigh locations are 3215 Wake Forest Rd. and 4380 Fayetteville Rd. Check Raleigh locations. dennys.com
Little Caesars · Raleigh and other participating stores. Free deep-dish pepperoni pizza lunch combo with a drink, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., while supplies last. Mention the offer and show proof of service at the counter. Check the Raleigh store at 4800 Grove Barton Rd.. information.littlecaesars.com
Golden Corral · Raleigh. Free buffet dinner and a beverage, 4 p.m. to close, dine-in. The offer also covers military retirees, reservists and National Guard members. Check the Raleigh location at 3424 Capital Blvd.. www.prnewswire.com
Applebee’s · Knightdale. Free entrée from the Veterans Day menu, dine-in with proof of service. Check the Knightdale restaurant at 6609 Knightdale Blvd.. www.applebees.com
Chili’s · Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, Morrisville and Wake Forest. Free meal from a select menu, dine-in with proof of service. Check Wake County locations. www.chilis.com
Cracker Barrel · Morrisville. Stars and Stripes reports a free Sunrise Pancake Special with proof of service at participating locations. Check with the restaurant at 955 Airport Blvd.. www.stripes.com
IHOP · Participating Wake County locations. Free Red, White & Blueberry pancakes or a pancake combo, depending on location. Dine-in with proof of service. Check IHOP’s offer and find a restaurant. Red, White, Blue Pancakes 🇺🇲
MISSION BBQ · Raleigh. Free sandwich at participating locations, according to Stars and Stripes. Check with the Raleigh restaurant at 7520 Creedmoor Rd.. www.stripes.com
Olive Garden · Wake Forest. The American Legion lists a free dine-in entrée from a special menu, with breadsticks and soup or salad. Bring proof of service. Check with the Wake Forest Crossing restaurant. www.legion.org
Red Robin · Wake Forest. Free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and bottomless fries, dine-in with proof of service. Check the Wake Forest restaurant. www.redrobin.com
Sullivan’s Steakhouse · Raleigh. Free Signature Angus burger and fries, dine-in with valid military ID. Check the Raleigh restaurant at 410 Glenwood Ave.. Triangle on the Cheap
Torchy’s Tacos · Raleigh and Wake Forest. Free taco and drink, in-store with proof of service. Locations include 1110 Mercantile Dr., Raleigh, and 505 Dr. Calvin Jones Hwy., Wake Forest. Check Torchy’s locations. news.va.gov
Wendy’s · Participating Wake County locations. One free Dave’s Single, no purchase required. Order at the counter or drive-through and identify yourself as a veteran or active-duty service member. Check Wendy’s offer and find a restaurant. www.wendys.com
Sheetz · Wake County locations. Free half turkey sub and regular fountain drink with proof of service. Find a Sheetz location.
From the Heart of Wake: Feel-good stories, kind neighbors, and good things happening across Wake County, NC.
The Day Knightdale Welcomed a Wounded Airman Home
On Sept. 11, 2026, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Demetrious Fitzpatrick slipped a key into the lock of a house in Knightdale and opened the door. The house was his, mortgage-free. An Air Force photographer caught that quiet moment at the end of months of work by people who wanted to give him a place to call home.
Fitzpatrick had broken his back in a January parachute training accident at Fort Bragg. As he recovered, Garman Homes and the U.S. Veterans Corps helped make the new home possible through Operation Coming Home, with support from Wounded Warrior Project.
A key ceremony lasts an afternoon. The kindness behind this one will be there on ordinary mornings, too, when Fitzpatrick can put on the coffee, settle into his own space, and take the day at his own pace.
Pick of Wake: Our editor’s top picks for must-do events, local fun, and memorable outings in Wake County, NC.
Cup of Thanks for Wake County Veterans ☕
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, these Wake County spots are saying thank you with a free cup of coffee. Some are even serving breakfast alongside it. Bring proof of service and check with your location before heading out.
Free coffee, no purchase required
Biscuit Belly · Raleigh — Sit down for hot drip coffee and a biscuit sandwich at 708 Seaboard Station Dr. Veterans can choose a chicken biscuit, bacon, egg and cheese, or sausage, egg and cheese. Dine-in only. Veterans Day offer.
Circle K · Participating Wake County stores — Veterans can get one medium hot or iced coffee with valid military ID. Find a Circle K.
Krispy Kreme · Raleigh — Stars and Stripes reports that participating shops are offering veterans and active-duty military a small hot or iced coffee and a doughnut of their choice. Call ahead to confirm at 549 N. Person St. Raleigh shop details.
Scooter’s Coffee · Rolesville — Veterans and active-duty military with valid military ID can enjoy one medium drink of their choice, including a specialty coffee, all day at 306 S. Main St. Veterans Day offer.
Starbucks · Participating Wake County locations — Veterans, military service members, and military spouses can get one tall hot or iced brewed coffee at the café or drive-through. Veterans Day offer.
Picking up a bagel? Stars and Stripes reports that Bruegger’s Bagels is offering veterans and active-duty military a free hot or iced coffee of any size with an in-store purchase. Find a Cary location and confirm participation.
Check our calendar below for Veteran’s Day Events
We have over 2500 events on the calendar between today and January 1, 2027!
Have an event to share? Join for free, post it and invite others to do the same!📍
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For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
