By: Savannah R. Watts
Memorial Day is more than a day off of work—it’s a holiday dedicated to honoring the military men and women who have served and are serving our country. On Monday, May 28, the High Country Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America will sponsor the 12th Annual Memorial Day Program in tandem with the Boone Mall and the Watauga Community Band to celebrate our veterans and active military personnel. Memorial Day, first known as Decoration Day, became a national holiday in 1971 to honor those that have died while serving in the U.S. Military.
The Memorial Day Program will be held at the Boone Mall in the Center Court. The Watauga Community Band will begin playing at 10:30 a.m. as people gather for the program starting at 11:00 a.m. There will be tables decorated and displayed to honor Veteran’s organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars and Watauga American Legion that may be viewed at the event. Last year’s guest speakers included HCCMOAA President Capt. Fred Schmitt, USCG (Ret.) and Reverend Ted Henry, with a U.S. flag folding ceremony by the Watauga American Legion Post 130 and the posting and retiring of colors by Watauga High School Marine Corps. JROTC.
Returning in this year’s program will be cadets from Watauga High School MCJROTC, the American Legion Post 130, and the Watauga Community Band. Guest speakers will provide an invocation and remarks celebrating those who died in service for our country. Representatives will be in attendance to answer questions about and take donations for the Watauga County Veteran’s Memorial.
The Watauga County Veteran’s Memorial in well underway in being built. The “Time and Honor” Memorial lot is located next to Town Hall on King Street to provide high visibility to citizens, students, and visitors of Boone. The memorial was designed by Suzie Hallier, a resident of Banner Elk, and invokes reflection with its eclipse shape surrounding viewers.
The dedication of the “Time and Honor” Memorial to Veterans is set for July 4, 2018. Donations for the memorial sculpture will be accepted this Monday at the Memorial Day Program, or you can visit www.hccmoaa.org for more information about mail and online donations.
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