Supporters made Salute special
As the 2012 chairman of the “Salute to America’s Veterans,” I write to thank the members of the Salute committee and all who supported our mission to honor America and its veterans for their participation and support.
That involvement was critical to our success. This year’s theme was “Military Through the Ages.” The committee put together a weekend of activities for all to enjoy. But most of all, every event honored our dedicated military personnel, past and present, throughout all time. We had a “Military History and Artifacts display” set up at the Community Council of the Arts. The “Georgia K. Battle Veterans Breakfast” was held at Fairfield Park and all veterans were invited to enjoy a full-course breakfast together. We held a “Walk of Honor Ceremony” at Tiffany West Park to dedicate new bricks to honor veterans past and present. It was followed by the “Flag Retirement Ceremony” in which Scouts properly retired flags no longer in use.
On Friday night, veterans, active duty military and the entire community gathered at the Arts Council to hear the Tar River Band. Saturday morning, we enjoyed the spirited Veterans Day Parade, which ended at Pearson Park. We were honored to have a native son, retired Gen. Alfred Flowers, as our keynote speaker. Saturday night the community enjoyed an extravaganza in Grainger Hill Performing Arts Center. This tribute to veterans included songs, dance routines, and readings of letters from service men and women. Tears mixed with laughter. We closed out the week of events on Sunday, Nov. 11, with a memorial service at the American Legion Post 43 to honor all veterans of all wars.
I think we did a great job of carrying on an activity that was originated by the late Ted Sampley. We absolutely could not have had such a successful Salute to Veterans without all the contributions, support, participation and service.
Guy Basden
Kinston
Many reasons to like living here
When I describe the reasons I love living in Kinston, my list is long.
I enjoy the lifestyle here. It is easy to travel safely among the well-surfaced streets at a comfortable pace. There are clusters of places to enjoy fine and family dining. Just about any sport can be enjoyed nearby, and watching sports together with friends can be done in several nice venues. There is a plethora of cultural, social and spiritual opportunities. Business people are fair and friendly. New enterprises are nurtured into economic growth.
When we host group events, hotel staff place value on customer service. The easy-flowing Neuse River provides plenty of pleasure for picnics and sightseeing. I enjoy the museums that create an environment for local citizens and visitors to browse through walls of art and rows of firefighter memorabilia. One desiring to work will find reception, and a way will be made.
Education is a priority. Medical providers practice prevention and cure. People are generally neighborly. PathChoice Ministry was able to help about 40 families with holiday boxes due to generous donations to our project. Stationed differently in life, residents realize we are all kindred beings. We hook the plow with a broad base of humanity and pull each other along.
Minister Evelyn Dove-Coleman
PathChoice Ministry Inc.
Kinston