BY SCOTT PERRY
ELIZABETH CITY — VFW William Clarence Jackson Post 6060 held its annual Veterans Day ceremony this weekend in Elizabeth City, honoring the service and sacrifice of local veterans across all branches of the United States Armed Forces.
Retired U.S. Army NCO Dan Serik served as master of ceremonies, welcoming a large crowd of community members, veterans, and dignitaries who gathered to commemorate the day.
Those in attendance included N.C. Representative Bill Ward, Mayor Kirk Rivers, Councilman Ronnie Morris, Scott Perry, Commander of American Legion Post 84, Christina Williams representing the GOP Ladies of Northeastern North Carolina, Carol Rolling, GOP Chairman, and Chris Woelkers, representing Congressman Don Davis’ Office.
The ceremony opened with a prayer from Pastor Daniel Spence, followed by the U.S. Coast Guard JROTC presentation of colors. Pamela Brothers performed the National Anthem, drawing applause from the crowd.
Judge Jerry Tillett, who is running for the N.C. Senate’s 1st District, delivered a thoughtful address reflecting on the sacrifices of American service members throughout the 20th century. He spoke about “the debt we all owe to veterans” and shared the story of a Vietnam veteran who is no longer with us.
As part of his tribute, Tillett presented Post Commander Allen Countey with a hand-carved wooden plate featuring the VFW logo, which he made himself. The judge explained the history of the emblem—a Maltese Cross symbolizing loyalty, protection, and service. The cross dates back to the medieval era and has long been tied to the Sermon on the Mount, representing the principles of faith, sacrifice, and compassion central to the Veterans of Foreign Wars mission.
The keynote speaker, Kristina Greeson, a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran, delivered a powerful message about the meaning of Veterans Day and the importance of honoring service members from every generation. Greeson asked veterans from each era — World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan — to stand and be recognized by the audience.
Following her remarks, Serik presented Greeson with a bouquet, thanking her for her service, congratulating her on her retirement, and welcoming her as a new member of VFW Post 6060.
The ceremony concluded with a prayer from Pastor Richard Harvey, a retired U.S. Coast Guardsman, who urged those in attendance to remember and honor America’s veterans every day, not just on Veterans Day.
VFW Post 6060 continues to serve the Elizabeth City and Northeastern North Carolina communities by supporting veterans, fostering patriotism, and preserving the legacy of those who served.