NORMAN — Two Richmond County men who served during World War II were among several current and former residents recognized during the inaugural Veterans Day Service at the Field of Honor.
Former Norman mayor Wille Quick and Melford Greene, both WWII vets in their 90s, each had a medal pinned on their shirts by Town Clerk Glenda McInnis.
Others honored included:
- Purple Heart – Roy Armstrong
- Vietnam – Raymond Collins, Phillip Williams
- Meritorious Service – Douglas Boyd, Zebulon Steele and Donna Craven Harbolt
Harbolt, a retired Army command sergeant major, and Air Force veteran Steele were guest speakers for the event.
“Our memorial is where the living and the spirits of generations of heroes rest in a singular space for generations to come,” Steele said about the Field of Honor. “It’s a beautiful space to visit…to express love…and show respect and gratitude.”
Steele is producing a documentary on the monument, which was spearheaded and financed by former Norman resident and Asheboro restaurateur Donald Simmons.
Click here to read more about the Field of Honor.
Steele quoted from several former presidents and generals on the duty of and appreciation for those who served in the armed forces, as well as a short history of each branch.
Harbolt said Veterans Day is to honor the service of those still living who served honorably in the armed services “and to highlight the fact that all those who served, not only those who died, have sacrificed and done their duty.”
Citing statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, Harbolt said there were 15.8 million veterans living in the country as of 2023, representing 6.1% of the total civilian population.
Harbolt said 0.6% of living veterans served in WWII, 3.5% in the Korean War, 33% in Vietnam, 28.8% during the Persian Gulf war, and 28% during the post-9-11 period.
Nearly 28% of all veterans are 75 years old or older, Harbolt continued, and 8.3% are younger than 35.
She then gave a brief history on the holiday, celebrated each year on Nov. 11.
“I would be remiss today if I didn’t say that Uncle Sam still needs men and women to serve our great country,” Harbolt said, adding a list of reasons and benefits for joining the military. “But most of all, it is a fulfilling and patriotic career choice. There is no higher honor than defending our nation and serving our country.”
Harbolt said she is not a hero or a legend.
“I am one of those 6 percent who served as a guardian of our nation’s freedom,” she said. “I am a United States veteran.”
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NOTE: This story has been updated to correct a name. 2:46 p.m. 11-14-24
