ALBANY, GA -- Golden Corral thanked veterans with a free meal for their 10th annual Military Appreciation Monday.

Active-duty and retired U.S. Military personnel received a free buffet and beverage. In the nine years Golden Corral has held Military Appreciation Monday, they have served close to 2.5 million free military meals. 

“It’s awesome. It’s a great night, it’s an emotional night. We had one gentleman in here tonight who’s 90 years old. He served in Pearl Harbor. It’s just a great night to get to hear about the history,” says General Manager Lori Starnes.

The restaurant didn’t just serve free meals; they also collected money for the Disabled American Veterans. To date, Golden Corral has raised $4.1 million in the years they’ve held Military Appreciation Monday.