WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Golden Corral in Whitehall once again opened its doors for Veterans Day, serving free meals to hundreds of local veterans.
For 13 years, this restaurant has turned Veterans Day into its biggest tradition. It’s a tradition meant to give back to those who gave so much.
“Last year, I believe we did around 800 (meals). We’ve done already 400 for today and we got a couple hours to go yet, so probably track around the same or a little bit more than last year,” said Justin Panko, operating partner of Golden Corral.
The spirit filled the dining room, with help from local groups like the Disabled American Veterans and JROTC cadets who volunteer every year.
“Golden Corral is a major supporter of the Disabled American Veterans and every year we’re here to show our presence as a local chapter of DAV,” said William Buskirk, senior vice commander for Lehigh Valley Chapter 7 Disabled American Veterans.
For many veterans, it’s a chance to swap stories and make connections.
“You meet to see other people from other generations for the military and someone tell their stories and everything the same sacrifices that they did that we also did but not like they did with the life lost,” U.S. Coast Guard veteran Blaine Brandon says.
Even longtime visitors say the food and the feeling just keeps getting better.
“It’s the best. Great food. Great people. Camaraderie. It’s wonderful. God bless them for doing it for our veterans, you know,” said Jim DeFrancisco, U.S. Air Force and Army Reserve veteran.
“Just seeing the satisfaction from the people that come in and, you know, how thankful that they are, it means a lot to us as a team here, that we’re able to do that for them,” Panko added.
Organizers say the goal is simple: to make sure veterans feel seen and appreciated this Veterans Day.