On Veterans Day, November 11, 2020 the long-awaited, 100% privately funded Veterans Memorial was dedicated.
In spite of less than ideal weather, over 300 people attended the touching ceremony. The National Anthem was movingly sung by Naomi Totten as part of the opening. Presenting were NC State Senator Phil Berger, Sr., Secretary of NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Larry Hall, Pastors Jimmy Davis and Claude Walker offered the opening and closing prayers. Fred Smith, Co-chair of the Veterans Memorial Committee, offered Welcome remarks, with the reading of all veteran’s names by: Sandra Aldridge, Elin Claggett, Jeannine Everidge, Ruby Hovatter, Paula Seamster, and Sallie Smith.
The dedication was closed with the laying of a wreath by David Kirby, a rifle salute by the Marine Corps League Detachment 1209 out of Burlington, NC, and Taps played by Brandon Smith. The ceremony was live streamed by Don Tate.
Photo by Jeff Nidle
