By Nicole Bowman-Layton

EDENTON — For more than 50 years, E.C. Toppin has helped organize the Chowan County Regional Fair, supported local veterans and volunteered his time to serve his community. On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2026, it was his turn to be recognized.

Toppin received the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Edenton Tea Party Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution during a ceremony at the Edward G. Bond American Legion Post 40 building in Edenton.

About 40 people attended the observance, which also featured remarks from retired Navy Cmdr. Ed Olhert, a memorial wreath ceremony and an opportunity to sign holiday cards for veterans hospitalized at VA medical centers in North Carolina.

A lifetime of service

Candice Morgan, chair of the DAR chapter’s National Defense Committee, nominated Toppin for the award, which recognizes extraordinary service in defending, promoting or preserving American heritage and freedoms.

“I’m very, very proud to say that the recipient of this award is our friend E.C. Toppin,” Morgan announced.

Toppin served four years in the U.S. Air Force before returning to civilian life. In 1973, following the example of his father, a World War II veteran, he joined American Legion Post 40.

He went on to serve two years as post commander and has spent more than 40 years as the post’s adjutant. The American Legion recognized him for 50 years of continuous membership.

“Over the next five decades, he became the bedrock of local veteran support,” Morgan said.

His contributions extend beyond veterans organizations. Toppin has served on Edenton’s Planning Board as an extraterritorial jurisdiction representative and volunteered with the Chowan County Fair for more than five decades, including service as its longtime manager and president.

“We all know E.C. is ‘Mr. Chowan County Fair,’ ” Morgan said.

His work with the fair previously earned him the William P. “Speck” Jones Volunteer of the Year Award.

Bonnie Henn, regent of the Edenton Tea Party Chapter, explained that the Distinguished Citizen Award required approval at the state and national levels of the DAR.

Morgan presented Toppin with the award and a commemorative medal.

“It’s an honor to accept this. I don’t feel deserving of it,” Toppin told the audience.

He credited his father with inspiring his commitment to service.

“He was always a big part of the community, and I just tried to follow that example,” Toppin said.

Rather than dwell on his accomplishments, Toppin encouraged others to find ways to contribute.

“Some people can do this, some people can do that, but everybody can do something,” he said. “And the community needs it. It’s your community, so do something for your community.”

Remembering Sept. 11

The ceremony also featured remarks from retired Navy Cmdr. Ed Olhert, an Edenton resident who discussed his experiences following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Olhert, a former naval aviator who worked on strategic defense programs at the Pentagon, had retired from military service by the time of the attacks.

He recalled receiving an unexpected telephone call directing him to appear on Voice of America broadcasts to answer questions from international audiences, particularly listeners in China.

The questions reflected uncertainty about how the United States would respond.

“Is the United States going to attack China over this?” Olhert recalled being asked.

“No, there is no indication that China was involved,” he said he responded.

Olhert subsequently appeared on a television broadcast addressing similar concerns.

He also described his work helping New York City officials prepare for future emergencies, including training exercises designed to identify weaknesses in emergency response procedures.

One simulated chemical attack demonstrated how first responders could become casualties themselves if they entered a hazardous area without recognizing the danger.

Olhert concluded by recognizing those who risked their lives to help others during the attacks.

“Again, the firefighters, doctors, police responders. I think those were the true heroes of 9/11,” he said.

Cards for hospitalized veterans

The Veterans Day observance also gave attendees an opportunity to reach veterans who may spend the upcoming holidays in hospitals.

Post 40 and the Edenton Tea Party Chapter organized a holiday card-signing project for veterans receiving treatment at four VA hospitals in North Carolina.

Post Commander Ed Matthews said VA coordinators will distribute the cards, with hospital staff placing one on the dinner tray of each hospitalized veteran during the holidays.

“This is our way to bring joy to our veterans and to let them know that they are remembered,” Matthews said.

The project was one of several ways organizers encouraged participants to express appreciation for military service.

A community remembers

The ceremony included an invocation by Post 40 Chaplain Calvin Capehart, patriotic music performed by Ray Olhert, the Pledge of Allegiance and recognition of veterans in attendance.

Memorial wreaths representing the military services were displayed as part of a tribute to fallen service members.

Matthews thanked the Boy Scouts, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, DAR members and other volunteers who helped organize the observance.

He also recognized Merchant Mariners who served during World War II and later became eligible for veterans benefits.

As the ceremony concluded, Matthews encouraged the community to remember veterans and their families beyond the annual observance.

“Here in Chowan County and Edenton, Veterans Day observance is a reflection of who we are,” Matthews said. “It’s a community that understands sacrifice, values service, and stands together at times of sorrow and joy.”

He urged those attending to carry that spirit of appreciation into the upcoming holiday season.

“May our words be full of gratitude and our actions marked by respect, and our community be known for honoring the men and women and their families who have given so much,” Matthews said.