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3 events in coming week honor military veterans
by Staff
Three events honoring veterans are scheduled in the Wilkesboros.
Veterans Day, held to honor all United States military veterans, is on Wednesday, Nov. 11. It was originally called Armistice Day to commemorate an agreement ending hostilities in World War I at the 11th hour, 11th day and 11th month in 1918.
On courthouse lawn
The annual Veterans Day Service on the Wilkes County Courthouse lawn, organized by the Wilkes Veterans Service Office, is at 2 p.m. Sunday.
"This year, instead of having a guest speaker as we usually do, we would like to have as many veterans present as possible in order to honor them by introducing them during the service," said Wilkes Veterans Service Officer Ralph Broyhill. "We should remember that the freedom we have today is due to the service and sacrifice our veterans have made."
Broyhill said veterans are asked to contact his office to have name tags made for them before the service. The number to call is 651-7327 or 651-7328.
Memorial Avenue event
At 11 a.m. Wednesday, a Veterans Day Memorial Service honoring military personnel from Wilkes who gave their lives in service of their country will be held at the corner of Ninth and D streets in North Wilkesboro. The Memorial Avenue Tree Committee organizes this annual Nov. 11 event.
On Nov. 11, 1920, the North Wilkesboro's Civic League dedicated the street and renamed it Memorial Avenue in memory of 55 Wilkes natives who died in WWI. A stone monument with these men's names was erected and one maple tree was planted for each of them.
The Memorial Avenue Tree Committee, formed in 1999, planted 55 sugar maple trees in 2000 to replace remaining maples planted in 1920.
On Nov. 11, 2000, Memorial Avenue was rededicated with the unveiling of a restored monument featuring an updated plaque with names of all Wilkes natives known to have died during WWI. Two new historical markers telling the story of Memorial Avenue and the history of the revitalization project were unveiled then also.
Brick dedication
The Wilkes Heritage Museum's fifth annual Veteran's Brick Dedication Ceremony is at 4 p.m. Saturday on the front lawn of the museum (old county courthouse).
Wilkes County native Denver Key, a retired U.S. Navy captain and prisoner of war for 64 months during the Vietnam War, is the speaker.
Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1142 and Marine Corps League will participate.
Bricks with names of veterans and details of their military service are sold to raise money for the Wilkes Heritage Museum. For more details, contact the Wilkes Heritage Museum at 667-3171. |
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