Graham County celebrates Veterans Day
“Words can’t express the thank you that needs to be said to each one of our men and women that has served our great United States of America,” said Town of Robbinsville Mayor Steve Hooper.
Opening Graham County’s third annual Veterans Day celebration and parade from the high school’s stage, Hooper thanked the veterans in the audience.
“On behalf of the town of Robbinsville and Graham County, we thank you,” Hooper said.
Hooper was followed by Town of Robbinsville Alderman Brian Johnson.
“We are gathered here today to honor all our service men and women who served our nation,” said Johnson. “We are here to honor, give respect to and remember each and every one’s sacrifices they made so we can live in the land of the free.”
The audience of veterans, current service members, families and community members then joined together for the Pledge of Allegiance, the Star-Spangled Banner, and God Bless America.
Graham County Commissioner Connie Orr reminded everyone that just that morning, the Veterans Memorial Flag was raised over downtown Robbinsville.
“I’d like to humbly dedicate that Veterans Memorial Flag to every service member past, present and future,” Orr said.
Vincent Wesley closed the ceremony, saying that “the least we can do this Veterans Day is that we can give thanks to all the service men and women who have ever served our nation. I salute each and every one of you.”
The ceremony was soon followed by a parade through Robbinsville that included military vehicles, a firetruck and personal vehicles, all festooned with red white and blue.
The parade then returned to the high school, where current and former service members enjoyed BBQ dinners by T-Dubbs and entertainment by Betty Vaughn.
Tribal Council member and Army veteran Adam Wachacha noted that “it’s good to have services like this so vets can come together for fellowship and camaraderie, including generational camaraderie.”
Army veteran Marvin Lail of Stecoah said, “It’s good to show respect for the United States and the service.”
His wife, Carolyn, added, “This is all very touching, especially the flags downtown. And I’m very proud of him.”
Navy veteran David Wholters served 23 years, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I grew up in a big Army family, but I went in the Navy,” Wholters said. “I wouldn’t change a thing. The life lessons I learned; I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Graham County native Margaret Hall Walters felt “blessed that a small community can come together out of respect for those that are gone but not forgotten. This community is like a big family.”
Later Monday evening, the Snowbird Community capped off Veterans Day by welcoming everyone to a community meeting and potluck dinner at the Jacob Cornsilk Community Center, bringing a long day of patriotism and fellowship to a close.