Town adds new street name in honor of veterans
Robbinsville – Over 120 veterans, government officials and residents alike said little about the cramped nature of March 29’s Veterans Memorial Hill dedication ceremony.
Because of the brave service of men and women nationwide, a 45-minute presentation inside Carringer-Webster Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 8635 Building was the least that could be done to thank those who have stepped up in the name of freedom.
The dedication was in conjunction of National Vietnam War Veterans Day – and no, that was not a coincidence.
Even if it took a year to come to fruition.
“I knew exactly what day I wanted to have this ceremony on and I knew exactly what street I wanted to give this name to,” Robbinsville Tourism Authority Board Chair Debbie Beasley said.
Anyone who drives into Robbinsville should make an optometry appointment if they miss the giant U.S. flag that casts a banner of patriotism over not just the downtown area, but Rodney Orr Bypass as well. Planted as the centerpiece of Veterans Flag Park – which is located behind Graham County Urgent Care and itself provides a scenic view of Robbinsville and the bypass – the flag was first raised Oct. 4, 2020.
East Main Street has long been known for its ability to pay tribute to those who served, as the sidewalk is lined with crosses that include names of soldiers who reported for duty – but never returned home. Veterans Flag Park sits just above the street.
It was the perfect match.
“We all take pride in our country, our county and our freedom,” Beasley said. “We all know that if not for these veterans, we could not enjoy the freedom that we have. It’s special.
“For some, this street naming is a big deal – but it’s really not, compared to what our veterans have done for us.”
The Robbinsville Tourism Authority was the largest advocate for the designation. Beasley told The Graham Star that it will be more of a shared designation, to avoid forcing businesses already established on East Main Street to change their addresses.
And the tourism board is not finished with its patriotic efforts, either. The inaugural Cigar Box Guitar Music Festival comes to Robbinsville High School on Friday and Saturday, June 9-10; no admission fees will be collected, but donations will be accepted and all proceeds will be accepted for Post 8635.
“Words seem very inadequate, especially words like ‘thank you’ or ‘I appreciate you,’” said Beasley. “It’s not enough, but as long as I’m willing to keep saying it and keep helping, that’s what I’m going to do.”
To watch the ceremony in its entirety, visit grahamstar.com.