Memorial Day Ceremony to be Hosted by Asheville City, Buncombe County, and Veterans Council
A Special Memorial Day Ceremony to Honor Fallen Service Members
The upcoming Memorial Day Ceremony, organized jointly by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County, promises to be a poignant event filled with heartfelt tributes and solemn reflections. Scheduled to take place at the picturesque Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park, this ceremony will honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Armed Forces.
One of the highlights of the ceremony will be a meaningful reading delivered by Jim Hernandez, a distinguished veteran who served as a pilot in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. With his firsthand experiences and profound insights, Hernandez’s reading will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all those in attendance.
Adding to the significance of the event, Lieutenant General Walter E. Gaskin (Ret.), a highly respected former Marine Corps officer and currently serving as the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, will deliver the keynote address.
With his wealth of knowledge and deep understanding of military service, Lt. Gen. Gaskin will provide an inspiring and thought-provoking speech that pays tribute to the fallen heroes and their unwavering commitment to our nation.
The ceremony will also feature a touching tribute by the joint Asheville Police and Fire Department Honor Guard. This dedicated group of individuals will meticulously present and retire the colors, symbolizing the honor and respect bestowed upon the fallen soldiers.
Furthermore, they will escort both Mayor Manheimer and Commission Chairman Newman as they reverently lay a memorial wreath in remembrance of those courageous individuals who sacrificed their lives while safeguarding our country’s freedom.
This Memorial Day Ceremony serves as a solemn reminder of the immense gratitude we owe to our fallen heroes. It is an opportunity for the community to come together, express our deepest appreciation, and reflect on the selflessness exhibited by those who made the ultimate sacrifice. By honoring their memory, we ensure that their legacy lives on in our hearts and minds, inspiring future generations to uphold the values for which they fought so valiantly.
Honoring Our Heroes: A Memorial Day Ceremony Filled with Reverence and Remembrance
In a collective effort to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have made ultimate sacrifices in service to their country, the City of Asheville and Buncombe County are organizing an extraordinary Memorial Day Ceremony. This solemn event will be an occasion for the community to gather and honor the heroes who have selflessly defended our nation’s values.
Taking place at the picturesque Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park, the ceremony will feature a series of heartfelt and meaningful contributions from esteemed individuals who have a deep connection to the military and veteran community.
To commence this momentous occasion, Bradley Parker, the Commandant of Asheville Marine Corps League Detachment 1417, will honor our country by rendering a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. His melodic voice will resonate through the air, filling our hearts with a profound sense of patriotism and unity. As the ceremony draws to a close, Parker will also perform Taps, a poignant and somber melody that serves as a timeless tribute to the fallen.
Stephanie Young, the esteemed Director of the Charles George VA Medical Center, will be among the honored participants in this commemorative event. Her dedicated service to the veterans’ community and her unwavering commitment to their well-being make her presence all the more significant. Alongside her, Ted Minnick, a distinguished US Army Vietnam veteran, and Steve Henderson, who served in the US Marines during the Vietnam era, will also be present, symbolizing the shared bond and camaraderie among those who have bravely served our country.
A particularly poignant moment during the ceremony will be the 13 Folds Flag-Folding Ceremony, performed by Spider Trantham, a decorated Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient. With each fold meticulously executed, this time-honored tradition serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes. Through his participation, Trantham embodies the spirit of courage and resilience that epitomizes those who have served.
Guiding the audience through this emotionally charged ceremony, Allan Perkal, a distinguished US Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam War, will take on the role of Master of Ceremonies. With his eloquence and reverence, Perkal will ensure that the event flows smoothly, while also sharing personal anecdotes and insights that reflect the significance of Memorial Day.
In addition to the Memorial Day Ceremony at Pack Square Park, the public is warmly encouraged to attend another commemorative event at 10 a.m. on May 29. This ceremony will take place at the Western North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, located at 962 Old US Highway 70 in Black Mountain.
This tranquil and hallowed ground will provide an opportunity for all attendees to pay their respects to the fallen heroes laid to rest there, honoring their memory in a serene setting.
Both the Memorial Day Ceremony at Pack Square Park and the event at the Western North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery serve as reminders of the profound debt of gratitude we owe to those who have served and sacrificed. By attending these meaningful tributes, we demonstrate our unwavering support for our military community and ensure that the legacy of our fallen heroes lives on.
