Photos by: Veteran, and Professional Photographer, Kenneth Armstrong
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The 10th annual Bladen County Veteran’s Day Ceremony drew a large crowd Tuesday at the National Guard Armory in Elizabethtown.
Lt. Col. Roy Allen served as the Master of Ceremonies at the event and reminded everyone that Veteran’s Day is the only congressionally mandated national holiday.
According to Allen only 10 percent of the American population are veterans and about 800,000 are here in North Carolina.
Charles Peterson, Chariman of the Board of Commissioners said, “Veterans Day is a special holiday in America. And this event today is important for our community because we have chosen to honor our military veterans from the Greatest Generation to our youngest service men and women.”
The Army National Guard Commander, Barrett Foster assisted in welcoming everyone and gave details about the history of Veteran’s Day.
Mayor of Elizabethtown, Sylvia Campbell got everyone one their feet for a standing ovation when she called veterans from each branch of our armed forces to the front to be recognized for their service to our country.
Dr. William Findt from Bladen Community College and John Lowery with NC Works also gave testimonies of what the day means to them and our community.
Veterans Bennett McDowell and Hooker Hall received gifts for being the two oldest veterans at the ceremony.
Ann Garrett, a veteran from the US Army presented a basket from the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce businesses to the oldest, McDowell, “an 86 years young” veteran and a gift from DuPont went to 85 and a half “years young” veteran, Hall.
The late Navy veteran, Dr. Robert Lee Summerlin, a local physician in Bladen County, who passed away in May of this year, received a memorial tribute. Summerlin’s wife, Estelle Summerlin was there to accept the honor.
The guest speaker for the program was Command Sgt. Major Annie L Walker. She is the Commandant Noncommissioned Officer Academy of the United States Army Soldier Support Institute of Fort Jackson SC.
Walker is a native of Elizabethtown and joined the US Army back in 1986. She said, “I’m just a small town girl with big dreams. Today I wanted to be here and needed to be here.”
She praised her mom and her JROTC instructor at East Bladen High School for helping her become who she is today.
Walker said, “My graduated extends to all veterans today. All of you are legendary in your own way, I believe. I believe you should always give a veteran thanks everyday.”
Other highlights of the day included a performance of the national anthem by Peyton Fell of the Clarkton School of Discovery, a cake cutting by the veterans, the placing of the wreath. East Bladen, Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy, and West Bladen Drill teams entertained with practiced drills and West Bladen High School band provided music.
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