ROCKINGHAM — There are several upcoming events across Richmond County to recognize local veterans for their service to the country.
The town of Dobbins Heights kicks things off at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, with its annual program at the community center.
Richmond County Hospice is also hosting its annual Salute to Veterans program from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. that day.
This year’s program will start with a parachute demonstration from the All Veteran Jump Team and will also include: the Vietnam memorial wall; retired Army colonel Don McDuffie as guest speaker; a presentation from AMVETS Post 316 on the different branch flags; music from the 82nd Airborne brass quintet; and a catered lunch.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, the local veterans organizations will host the annual Veterans Day observance at Richmond County Veterans Memorial Park, across from VFW Post 4203 in Rockingham, starting at 11 a.m.
The guest speaker for that event will be Joe Reale, commander of the American Legion Department of North Carolina.
Reale was born in Brooklyn, New York, and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1969. He received his commission in 1971 and had 28 years of service, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He currently lives in Huntersville.
Following the service, starting at 1 p.m., will be the annual Veterans Day Parade on Main Street in Hamlet. In addition to the parade, there will be a demonstration by the All Veteran Group Jump Team, a performance by Mark McKinney and Company, bounce houses and food trucks.
The next week, Saturday, Nov. 14, there will be a veterans event at the Norman Wall of Honor, starting with a parade at 11 a.m. and the program at 11:30.
