📫Wake County Glows Green to Honor Veterans | Celebrate Veterans | WakeMed Officer Killed 📍

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Hello friends!

As we pause to honor Veterans Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. Whether they served near or far, in times of peace or conflict, our veterans embody the very best of what it means to serve.

Today, we encourage everyone in our Wake County community to take a moment to thank a veteran, share a story, attend a local ceremony, or simply reflect on the remarkable dedication of those who wear the uniform.

To all veterans in our community and beyond—thank you. Your service matters, your stories matter, and we honor you today and always.

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

—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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📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why did the leaf go to the doctor?
Because it felt a little seedy and didn’t want to fall behind! 🍂😄

📍 Trivia 📍

Veterans Day wasn’t always called Veterans Day.
It began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. The name changed in 1954 to honor all U.S. veterans.

The exact moment of silence is intentional.
Many communities pause at 11:11 AM on 11/11 to honor the moment the WWI armistice took effect—the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

This November, spice up your autumn with a visit to Zinc House Winery & Brewery in Durham, a lively blend of vineyard charm and craft brewery buzz. With spacious indoor and outdoor decks, you can sip their handcrafted wines or explore local craft beers while soaking in sweeping views of the grounds. The calendar is packed with fun: think live music paired with rotating food trucks, ticketed wine tasting experiences, paint-and-sip nights, and even seasonal floral workshops. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed daytime outing, a festive evening with friends, or a creative date night, Zinc House offers something for everyone. Grab a cozy spot on the deck, sample something new, and enjoy a memorable fall escape just a short drive from Raleigh.

Visit Zinc House Winery & Brewery

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Wake County Glows Green to Honor Veterans

Wake County is participating in Operation Greenlight, a national initiative encouraging residents and businesses to shine a single green light in support of veterans. The green glow symbolizes hope, appreciation, and the community’s commitment to those who have served.

Residents can join in by swapping out one indoor or outdoor bulb for a green one and sharing photos on social media using #WakeGlowsGreen. These displays create a countywide tribute and help raise awareness of the many resources available to local veterans.

Participating is simple: light one green bulb, snap a photo, and spread the word. Each light serves as a small but powerful reminder that Wake County stands with its veterans—today and every day.

Where to Celebrate Veterans Day in Wake County

Wake County offers several meaningful ways for residents to honor and celebrate veterans this Veterans Day. Communities across the county will host ceremonies, observances, and special tributes throughout the morning of November 11, ensuring residents have multiple opportunities to pay their respects.

In Cary, the town will hold its annual Veterans Day Observance at Veterans Freedom Park from 11 a.m. to noon. The ceremony honors all who have served and features guest speakers, patriotic music, and a moment of reflection. Attendees can park at Cary Academy, where an accessible shuttle will be available to transport guests to the memorial site.

Garner will host its Veterans Day Observance at Aversboro Road Baptist Church, located at 1600 Aversboro Road, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. This long-standing community event pays tribute to local veterans with music, presentations, and a heartfelt ceremony dedicated to honoring their service.

In Apex, residents can attend a Veterans Day Ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. at the Downtown Service Memorial. The event continues through 12:30 p.m. and includes patriotic performances and special recognitions for service members, making it one of the earliest and most engaging observances in the county.

Wake Forest will also host a community ceremony led by the Walter E. Cole American Legion Post 187 at the Wake Forest Veterans Memorial. This annual gathering brings together residents, families, and veterans to honor those who served with dignity and pride.

WakeMed Officer Roger Smith Killed in Garner Shooting

WakeMed Campus Police Officer Roger Smith, 59, was shot and killed Saturday morning while responding to a disturbance at the WakeMed Garner Healthplex. Despite immediate aid from hospital staff, he died from his injuries.

The suspect, Benji Martin Jr., 29, has been charged with murder. State and local authorities are investigating the incident.

Officer Smith served 14 years with WakeMed Police and previously spent 16 years with Knightdale Police, where he was remembered as a “local hero.”

Gov. Josh Stein and law enforcement agencies statewide praised Smith’s dedication and sacrifice, calling his death a tragic loss for the community.

A Fence Built from Kindness

In February 2025, a retired man affectionately known in his neighborhood as “Uncle Jhonn” noticed something that tugged at his heart. His neighbor, a hardworking single mother, had a fence that was old, broken, and in desperate need of repair. Instead of just thinking about it or offering words of sympathy, Uncle Jhonn quietly decided to take action.

Over the course of several days, he replaced the fence entirely—at no cost to his neighbor. While the project would have normally cost over $6,000, he invested about $2,000 of his own money to make it happen. What made the story even more remarkable was his humility; he didn’t seek recognition, yet when he shared it on TikTok, it resonated with millions. The video quickly went viral, amassing 14 million views, inspiring people around the country with a simple but powerful message: kindness matters.

This was more than just a fence—it was a barrier removed between strangers and compassion. It was a tangible reminder that small acts of generosity in everyday life can ripple outward, creating joy and hope in ways we may never fully see.

Message: Sometimes the most meaningful gestures don’t require grand announcements—just noticing a need and quietly stepping in can change someone’s world.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

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Check out our online calendar for more events and local activities!📌

What’s Happening Today?

• Apex Veterans Day Ceremony — 9 a.m. at Downtown Service Memorial in Apex. A respectful ceremony honouring veterans, which is suitable for families, seniors and anyone wanting to participate. Triangle on the Cheap+2WALTER Magazine+2

• Garner Veterans Day Observance — 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Aversboro Road Baptist Church (1600 Aversboro Rd., Garner). A community event honouring veterans; good for seniors and families alike.

• Cary Veterans Day Observance — 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Veterans Freedom Park in Cary (with parking at Cary Academy and shuttle service). Another respectful tribute event, appropriate for all ages.

• Golden Corral Military Appreciation Night — 4 p.m. to close at Golden Corral in Raleigh (military/veteran appreciation). Good for families or couples planning an evening out. Visit Raleigh

• Knightdale Veterans Day Tribute — 2 p.m. at Knightdale Station Park. A free event listed in the region’s events calendar—suitable for families, couples, seniors looking for a local tribute. Triangle on the Cheap

• Free Hot Dogs for Veterans – Blackbird Brewery — Starting at 1 p.m. at Blackbird Brewery in Wake Forest: free hot dogs for veterans, casual gathering that families/couples may enjoy. Triangle on the Cheap

• Incredible Science at NC Museum of Natural Sciences — 1:30 p.m., Raleigh: science‐activity session which works well for kids and families. Triangle on the Cheap

Be sure to click below to review our “Events Calendar” with over 100 events happening today and this week!

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If your business event, or restaurant, is not on the list and you would like to be added, contact us at [email protected]