The 10th Anniversary Memorial Day Ceremony at the Carolina Field of Honor in Kernersville, NC, was a significant event held on May 27, 2024. The ceremony commemorated a decade since the memorial’s establishment and honored the memory of U.S. military personnel who died while serving the country.
Key Highlights of the Ceremony:
Attendance and Atmosphere:
- The event drew a large crowd, with more than 3,000 people attending, including veterans, local residents, and dignitaries.
- The atmosphere was solemn and respectful, reflecting the community’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by military personnel.
Speakers and Performances:
- Former Governor Pat McCrory delivered the keynote speech, sharing personal anecdotes about his grandfather’s service during World War I and emphasizing the importance of remembering those who knew they might not return from battle.
- Retired Brigadier General James Gorham performed a final salute to 22 empty chairs, symbolizing the daily loss of 22 soldiers to suicide, and highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by veterans.
- The U.S. Fleet Forces Band provided preliminary patriotic music and performed the national anthem.
Ceremonial Elements:
- The event featured a color guard, wreath laying, and the playing of Taps, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.
- A rose was laid beneath the U.S. Coast Guard monument, and a plaque was presented to Bill Moss, the founder of the Carolina Field of Honor.
Special Displays:
- Along the pathway, 22 “Trees of Valor” were displayed, each adorned with pictures of fallen heroes from various wars, which were lit up in the evening to honor those who lost their lives in combat.
- The memorial includes a tall central obelisk and smaller monuments recognizing different branches of the U.S. armed services, as well as paving stones honoring individual veterans and a piece of a steel beam from the World Trade Center.
Community Involvement:
- The event underscored the importance of community involvement in honoring veterans, with volunteers and organizations like “The Tree of Valor” contributing to the displays and overall success of the ceremony.
The 10th Anniversary Memorial Day Ceremony at the Carolina Field of Honor was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and the importance of continuing to honor their legacy.
- The Rhino Times of Greensboro: This article provides an overview of the event and its significance, highlighting the celebration of the memorial’s 10th anniversary.
- JournalNow: This source offers a collection of photos from the ceremony, capturing key moments and the overall atmosphere of the event.
- WFMY News 2: This article discusses the Memorial Day events held in the Triad area, including the ceremony at the Carolina Field of Honor.
- High Point Enterprise: This article highlights the addition of tree displays to the Memorial Day tribute, enhancing the ceremony’s visual and emotional impact.
These sources provide comprehensive coverage of the event, including speeches, performances, and special displays that marked the 10th anniversary of the Carolina Field of Honor.