News-Topic Staff

Veterans Day is more than just a day off from school or work. It is a day to honor those who gave their lives for America's freedoms.

Here in Caldwell County, schools and other organizations are taking the time to reflect on their memories by sharing stories and reminding people never to take it for granted.

Last week, Granite Falls Middle School hosted its annual celebration. The event included performances by the school's chorus and band programs; the presentation of colors by the South Caldwell High School ROTC; and several guest speakers, including current school staff.

Other events are planned throughout the upcoming week.

Schools

Gamewell Elementary School will have two flag-raising ceremonies Tuesday, Nov. 10. The first will be at 8 a.m. for children in grades 3-5, and the other at 8:30 a.m. for children in kindergarten through second grade. The school also will have a veterans program at 6:30 p.m. All grade levels will be performing, and Bill Oxford will present "A Veteran Is." There also will be a wall of recognition on display, featuring photographs collected by students.

Happy Valley Elementary School will have its annual Veterans Day program Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 9:30 a.m. in the gym. The guest speaker will be Tony Colvard, a recipient of the Silver Star.

Hudson Middle School will host its annual Veterans Day assembly Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 9 a.m. in the school's gymnasium.

Community events

The Ruritan Club of Rhodhiss invites community members for dinner at Friendship Methodist Church in Rhodhiss Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 4-6 p.m. The guest speaker will be Harold Riggs (Medal of Honor and two Purple Hearts). Dinner is free for all veterans, active duty and reserves, and also to any spouses or parents of deceased veterans. Other guests are asked to pay $6 per dinner.

Grandview Villa will honor its veterans during a ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. Grandview Villa is located at 2544 SW Grandview Circle. For more information, call 757-0136.

The dedication of the Veterans' Plaza in downtown Lenoir will be Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 p.m. on the square.

The Caldwell County Veterans Council will host a community Veterans Day flag retirement ceremony Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Hudson Uptown Building in Hudson next to the Veterans Memorial in front of the building. Residents may bring their old and unserviceable U.S. flags to the event for proper retirement. Boy Scouts from Hudson Troop 241 will assist. For more information, contact Caldwell County Veterans Council Secretary Eddie Tapper at 728-2103.

The Town of Sawmills will host its Veterans Day celebration Saturday, Nov. 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Veterans Park. The ceremony will include the laying of wreaths and a visit by the National Guard. A barbecue lunch will follow. For more information, contact Sawmills Town Hall at 396-7903.