By Jesse Wood
The local chapter of the Military Officers Association of America presented its 7th annual Memorial Day observance the Boone Mall on Monday, May 25.
The ceremony started at 10:30 a.m. with a medley of patriotic music by the Watauga Community Band, and the posting of the Military Colors by the Watauga High School JROTC followed the playing of the national anthem by the band. This year’s guest speaker was retired U.S. Army Colonel Benjamin Covington.
In previous years, well over 400 guests have attended from around the High Country, and this year, the Boone Mall was just as packed for the observance.
In a letter inviting the Watauga County Board of Commissioners the event, High Country Chapter MOAA President Bob Gibbard noted the significance of the event:
“This day represents a day when we should all take time to reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives for the freedom of others,” Gibbard wrote. “On this day we also support the families of our military personnel who have lost loved ones and who sacrificed silently over the years.”
The day’s program also included service theme songs by the band, history and playing of taps and retiring of colors and closing remarks.
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