Veterans organizations will hold the traditional parade and ceremonies Tuesday in observance of Veterans Day.Tuesday’s activities start at 9 a.m. with a memorial wreath-laying ceremony at the Salisbury National Cemetery at 202 Government Road, near downtown.
At 10 a.m., the Rowan County Veterans Council will hold its annual Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony in Building 6 of the Hefner VA Medical Center, 1601 Brenner Ave.
Don Webb, president of the Veterans Council, will serve as master of ceremonies. Participating in the program are Martha Corriher, of American Legion Auxiliary 146; Marvin “Buddy” Kyles, of VFW Post 3006 and 2007 Chaplain of the Year; Homer Robertson, of American Legion Post 107 and first vice president of the Veterans Council; Charles Robinson, of American Legion Post 327; J.C. Miller, of American Legion Post 342 and 2008 Chaplain of the Year; and the Rowan County Military Honor Guard.
Carolyn Adams, director of the Hefner VA, will welcome the guests. U.S. Air Force Capt. Ronald L. Smith will be the featured speaker.
The special awards go to:
– Veteran of the Year ó Narvie Bonds, of American Legion Post 327 in Faith.
– Chaplain of the Year ó Bud Abernathy, American Legion Post 185 in China Grove.
– Service Officer of the Year ó J.C. Miller, American Legion Post 342 in Salisbury.
Following the ceremony, starting at 11 a.m., VFW Post 3006, 1200 Brenner Ave., will host a barbecue lunch and commemorative display.
At 1 p.m., the traditional Veterans Day parade will start on the grounds of the Hefner VA.
Then, at 2:30 p.m., the parade units will move to downtown and continue the parade on Main Street.
In case of inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled, but all other events will take place.
The Veterans Council is sponsoring a fundraiser, selling $10 tickets to win $600 in Food Lion gift certificates. Tickets will be available at the barbecue or from Veterans Council members.
The drawing takes place Dec. 2.
For more information about the day’s events, call Webb at 704-857-3005 or Robertson at 704-636-5688.