Veterans Day brings reflection, remembrance and community celebrations across northeastern North Carolina
By Nicole Bowman-Layton
WILLIAMSTON β For one Martin County Army veteran, Veterans Day is an opportunity to remember the people he served alongside, reconnect with old friends and celebrate the men and women who have worn the nationβs military uniforms.
It is also a holiday that falls just two days before his birthday.
βI love Veterans Day because itβs close to my birthday also, so itβs like a double whammy of good stuff for me,β said Tim Williams, who will turn 60 on Nov. 13.
The Williamston resident spent 12 years in the U.S. Army, serving during the final years of the Cold War and rising to the rank of sergeant, E-5.
A 1985 graduate of Williamston High School, he participated in football, track and Future Business Leaders of America before joining the Army at age 18.
His military career took him far from the familiar surroundings of eastern North Carolina, including an assignment in Germany.
When given a choice of duty stations, he selected Germany because he had read about the country in history books and wanted to experience it firsthand.
βI wanted to go to Germany because Iβm always going to, you know, in the history books and seeing stuff Germany, Germany,β he recalled. βSo, like, I want to see what thatβs like.β
What surprised him most was the landscape.
βI didnβt realize there were so many mountains,β he said.
He recalled spending time in Idar-Oberstein, a German city known for its gemstone industry, surrounded by mountainous terrain.
His military assignments also included locations in Florida and Kentucky. He worked as an administrative specialist and returned to the United States from Germany in 1988, one year before the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Although he enjoyed traveling and experiencing different places, he said the friendships he formed during his military service remain among his most valued experiences.
βMet a lot of wonderful people,β he said. βThereβs some good and bad with anything. But Iβve got some lifelong brothers in military.β
Those friendships have continued long after his military career ended.
βI mean, we are in different places right now. Got friends in Georgia, Indiana, different places, but we still keep in touch,β he said.
Today, he lives in Williamston with his wife, Tracy, and works as an independent associate with LegalShield. He is a former postmaster of Hamilton and Roper.
An interesting side note β Williams’ mother, Peggy Williams, retired in 2012 as postmaster of Windsor.
He also belongs to American Legion Post 131 in Hamilton, where he maintains connections with other veterans in the community.
For him, Veterans Day carries a meaning that is sometimes confused with Memorial Day.
He said people often thank veterans for their service on Memorial Day, but that holiday is intended to remember military personnel who died while serving the country.
Veterans Day, observed annually on Nov. 11, recognizes all who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
βWith Veterans Day, itβs actually a holiday to celebrate the ones of us that are still here and get a chance to hear that appreciation and see that appreciation,β he said.
This year, he plans to spend time with his wife, visit restaurants offering complimentary meals to veterans and connect with fellow American Legion members.
He also hopes to see other veterans around the community and share memories of their service.
Across northeastern North Carolina, communities are preparing their own Veterans Day observances, including ceremonies, wreath presentations, patriotic music and opportunities for residents to personally thank those who served.
Veterans Day observances
Columbia β American Legion Post 182 celebration
American Legion Post 182 will host a Veterans Day celebration at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Tyrrell Hall, 906 U.S. 64 in Columbia.
The program will include participation by a local Scout troop, a guest speaker, patriotic music and a wreath-laying ceremony. The post commander will deliver a reading, and refreshments will be served following the ceremony.
The event is open to the public and will recognize veterans and their families.
Edenton β Veterans Day ceremony and Christmas cards
American Legion Post 40 and the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold a Veterans Day ceremony starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at American Legion Post 40, 1317 W. Queen St. in Edenton.
The program will include two guest speakers, an honor guard, a memorial wreath presentation and a special dedication by the DAR.
Residents are invited to sign Christmas cards that will be sent to veterans staying in Veterans Affairs hospitals and assisted living facilities.
Lunch will be provided by Mitch Davis and the Edenton Hotdog Company, featuring hot dogs and traditional sides.
Organizers emphasized that the ceremony will be held in the main hall at American Legion Post 40, not at Veterans Memorial Park behind the Chowan County Courthouse.
Manteo β Veterans Day ceremony
A Veterans Day ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Dare County Veterans Memorial, 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave. in Manteo.
Southern Shores β Veterans Day ceremony
A Veterans Day observance will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Pitts Center, 5375 N. Virginia Dare Trail.
Retired Army Lt. Col. Larry Feast is listed as the guest speaker.
Nags Head β Veterans Day ceremony
A Veterans Day ceremony is listed for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Nags Head Town Hall, 5401 S. Croatan Highway.
Kill Devil Hills β Veterans Day ceremony
A Veterans Day ceremony will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Kill Devil Hills Veterans Memorial on Veterans Drive.
Additional recognition planned
Edenton β Veterans Stars & Stripes Market
The Edenton Farmers Market will host a Veterans Stars & Stripes Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at 200 N. Broad St.
The event will include local vendors, food, handmade goods and activities recognizing military veterans.
The first 100 veterans attending will receive a free hot dog from the Edenton Hotdog Company. The appreciation event is funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.
An MK 14 torpedo will be on display, and representatives of American Legion Post 40 and the American Legion Auxiliary will provide information about their programs and community activities.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to sign Christmas cards for veterans.
Roanoke Island β Free aquarium admission
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island will offer complimentary admission on Veterans Day to veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists, military retirees and eligible dependents.
The offer is part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resourcesβ Veterans Day recognition.
Let us know what you think by leaving a comment. Comments are subject to approval.