Preparations are well underway for the fifteenth annual Veterans Day program at the Moore County Veterans Memorial, which will be held on Saturday, November 6 at 11 AM.
Dedicated in 2006 and considered by veterans and their families to be “sacred ground,” the Memorial has been home to numerous veterans groups and their programs and ceremonies over the years. It is located at the Carriage Oaks Shopping Center on Route 15-501 in Carthage.
The memorial includes 22 granite tablets inscribed with the names of 8,000 veterans. 150 of these names, listed in the center of the display, belong to Moore County veterans killed in action over the past 100 years. A bronze eagle sculpture sits atop a smooth stone base inscribed with the emblems of the five branches of the military. Three flags—for North Carolina, The United States and POW-MIA—surround the centerpiece.
The only requirement for having a name inscribed on the monument is that it belong to a veteran who has lived in Moore County at some point in his or her life. There is a $30 fee to cover the cost of inscription.
This year’s featured speaker will be retired Command Sergeant Major Robert “Bob” Hall, a 30-year Army veteran. Hall has served with honor in numerous capacities and areas of the world. He is the recipient of multiple merit awards and was inducted into the Military Intelligence Corps Hall of Fame in 2004. Currently, Hall is serving as a Veterans Service Officer at the Moore County Veterans Office in Carthage.
In addition to the featured speaker, Union Pines Color Guard will conduct the Presentation of the Colors ceremony, bagpiper Vic Thompson will play patriotic music, Larissa Glassman will sing patriotic songs, various military and non-military organizations will do a Presentation of the Wreaths. There will be other remembrance, recognitions and camaraderie. An OH-58 army helicopter will be on display.
The purpose of this program is to honor, cherish, respect, and remember all Moore County veterans and their families. We must never forget their sacrifices! Members of the public are warmly invited and encouraged to attend.
For information, call (910) 947-3257.
