Outer Banks Honors its Heroes on Veterans Day
This past Veterans Day, the beautiful Outer Banks, N.C. came alive with ceremonies honoring the brave men and women who have served in our military. From the charming streets of Manteo to the serene shores of Southern Shores, communities united to pay tribute to those who have answered the call of duty.
A Day of Reflection and Gratitude
“I think this is a time that we can take a step back and really acknowledge and respect our veterans for all that they do,” shared Kelly Molina, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. Her heartfelt words resonated deeply with many as they gathered to express gratitude towards the heroes among them.
Another veteran, Brian Kelly, who served during the tumultuous times of the Vietnam War, stated, “Anyone that serves deserves their day in the sun. They did their part for this United States.” His sentiment echoed through the air, bringing smiles and nods of agreement from fellow veterans and supporters alike.
Celebrating the Spirit of Service
The atmosphere was electric as the community celebrated the courage and sacrifices made by their veterans. “We want to honor those who stand up and volunteer and raise their right hand to serve and support and defend the Constitution of the United States,” expressed Lt. General Anthony Hale, the current Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence in the U.S. Army. His words served as a reminder of the high calling that is military service.
The support for veterans in the Outer Banks is heartwarming. “Can’t tell you how many people come up to me in the supermarket when I have my hat on and just say to me, ‘thank you for your service.’ It means a lot to all of us,” added Kelly. Such simple acknowledgments serve as a powerful reminder of the appreciation felt in this closely-knit community.
Support from Every Corner
For many, knowing that there is strong backing from local businesses, veteran service organizations, and government officials adds to the pride of serving. “Knowing that we have the support of businesses, veteran service organizations, as well as the government here is really impressive,” noted Molina.
The Importance of Daily Appreciation
While Veterans Day might shine a spotlight on service members, veterans like Molina emphasize that it should remind us of the need to honor them year-round. “There’s a lot of times that we don’t see the inner workings of everything that it takes to keep us safe, in order to defend our nation. In both peacetime and wartime, there are sacrifices being made,” she explained passionately.
Brigadier Hale underscored this sense of ongoing gratitude. “I think we should all wrap our arms around our veterans and make sure that they know that they’re special to our country because, of course, they have helped protect our freedoms and our way of life,” he concluded, leaving everyone inspired.
Reflecting on Freedom
The events of Veterans Day serve as a daily reminder that our wonderful way of life is not something to be taken for granted. It has been paved by the men and women who served, dedicating their lives to ensuring our freedom. As the ceremonies concluded, the spirit of respect and admiration filled the air, creating a bond that can only be understood by those who have served and those who hold them dear.
As the sun set over the Outer Banks, it was evident that the tradition of honoring our veterans would persist, reminding everyone not just to celebrate on one day, but to carry that appreciation forward every day of the year.
