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In this Gig Line you will see “second verse, same as the first” and that’s because I wanted to be sure you all see for the second time the full schedule of activities for The Wall That Heals that will make its way through Manns Harbor into Manteo this Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023 en route to the Nags Head Soundside Event Site where it will remain until Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023 at 2 p.m. when the 140 panels of the engraved names of more than 58,000-plus servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War are front and center.

Besides attaching the detailed program schedule from beginning to end again, I want you all to know additional important info to accompany it, as follows:

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, please join everyone between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to welcome the huge motorcycle escort into Manteo at the Connection Center (the metal building directly behind Manteo First Assembly Church) in Manteo. Driving north just past Manteo Elementary School and directly across from the Hotline Thrift Store – (see the blue marquis at the entrance on the right). We will have coffee/tea and treats as well as a thankful and friendly welcome! It will be a veteran gathering place to sit and talk, meet your “brothers and sisters,” and share your friendship. (Note: The Wall That Heals is expected to pass by there at approximately 2:30 p.m. and we will have American flags to wave at the very patriotic entourage.)

In addition, I will be issuing Dare County Veteran Discount Cards to veterans who are residents or property owners of Dare County. The card is free, and it entitles the cardholder to business discounts on goods and services at approximately 140 locations from Corolla to Hatteras Village. Requirement? You must either reside in Dare County as a leasehold resident or own property in Dare County; show your DD-214 showing honorable discharge and a driver’s license (not specifically a North Carolina license). The documents are not copied or kept; they are for review purposes only.

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 – Again … we invite veterans and their guests to join us from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This time the difference is we will offer a lunch and desert from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  If you come earlier or later, please enjoy coffee/tea and a snack. This is about fellowship, comradery and support of our veterans and those who love them.

At approximately 1 p.m. the “Santa Tracker” will enable us to know the exact location of the traveling exhibit including bikers, the 53’ trailer and the Jeep motorcade.

Dare County Schools will be out early to allow children, parents, grandparents and everyone else to attend The Wall That Heals arrival.

For all Dare County veteran-related events (which are many) please see DareArts.org webpage and click on programs for Veterans Week.

Opening Ceremony – Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 10 a.m.

Soundside Event Site, Nags Head

Patriotic Music – U.S. Marine Corps Brass Quintet

Opening Remarks – Dare County Veterans Advisory Council Chairman Justin O’Sullivan

Prayer – Chaplain Cherri Wheeler

Presentation of Colors – Elizabeth City VFW Post 6060

Pledge – Betsy Robinson

National Anthem – Betsy Robinson

Welcome – Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard

Guest Speaker – Chris Kelley Cimko

Guest Speaker – U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath

Guest Speaker – Barry “Fuzzy” Holt U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran

“They” – Poem Reading – Chaplain Cherri Wheeler

“Sergeant MacKenzie” and “The Dawning of the Day” – Patrick Mullally on bagpipes

21 Gun Salute – Outer Banks VFW Post 10950 OBX American Legion Post 26

Taps – Bugle – Dave Luckenbaugh

 

Candlelight Ceremony

Friday, November 17, 2023 at 6 p.m.

Patriotic Music – Tripp Harrison

Welcome – Barry “Fuzzy” Holt U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran

Opening Prayer – Chaplain Hardy Owens, LCDR, USN, CHC

Pledge – Betsy Robinson

National Anthem – Betsy Robinson

Guest Speaker – Chaplain Hardy Owens

Reading of Local Names (Dare County Vietnam veterans who have passed) – Chaplain Hardy Owens and family members who lost loved ones

“They” – Poem Reading – Chaplain Hardy Owens

“Amazing Grace” – Patrick Mullally on bagpipes

Taps – Bugle – Marty Griffin and Art Cohn

In addition to all the listed activities at the event site above, please note that on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at 11 a.m., there will be a Vietnam Veterans Walk to the Wall led by Vietnam veteran Barry “Fuzzy” Holt. This walk is specifically for Vietnam veterans only.

The Dare County Transportation Department and the Fessenden Center have announced that it will provide free shuttle service from Hatteras Island to The Wall That Heals during the exhibit’s four-day stay.

Space is limited, so please call the Fessenden Center at 252-475-5650 to make your reservation as early as possible. All Dare County residents and property owners ride for free.

Until next time folks, PLEASE, PLEASE take the time to stand out in a safe place along the highway in Manns Harbor, Manteo, the Nags Head Causeway to welcome and wave our flag in a show of major support for The Wall That Heals and all the bikers and Jeep drivers, many of whom are veterans themselves who will escort it into Dare County. Drones will be flying overhead to capture our enthusiasm and veteran respect. If you have a question, please call/text me on my cell: (252) 202-2058. The good Lord loves us all and I sure love our veterans and you too! God bless you! Be healthy, safe and happy … we have much to be happy about. God bless America! Stay tuned!

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