ROCKINGHAM — Although it will be scaled down from last year, Richmond County’s veterans organizations are going ahead with Veterans Day service this weekend.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 with a meet and greet with the All Veterans Group Jump Team, based out of Raeford, at VFW Post 4203 and Veterans Memorial Park on Old River Road in Rockingham.
Last year, the team jumped into downtown Rockingham just before the parade began.
This year’s parade was canceled due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The service, which begins at 11 a.m., will feature an introduction and invocation by Carlton Hawkins and David Williams, respectively, both of American Legion Post 147, followed by a presentation of the colors, the national anthem sung by Ronald Wallace, the pledge of allegiance, a recognition of senior living post commanders, the traditional laying of wreaths, and a benediction by Charlie Tyler of AMVETS Post 316, closing with a 21-gun salute by the AMVETS rifle team and the playing of Taps.
The All Veterans team will then perform a parachute jump around 11:30.
“Although we are saddened to not have our usual ceremonies to honor our veterans, we are so excited to still have some special events to pay our respects to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Robin Roberts, president of the VFW Post 4203 Auxiliary.
The event is open to the public and social distancing is recommended.
Dobbins Heights usually holds a small service for veterans on both Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but both have been canceled this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Mayor Antonio Blue.
UPDATE: Due to a clerical error, the All Veterans Group Jump Team will parachute on Sunday instead of Saturday, with a meet and greet starting at 11 a.m. All other activities will go on as scheduled on Saturday.
(Note: This post has been updated to correct the name of the jump team and add updated information. 6:30 p.m. 11-4-2020)
