There are multiple events around Richmond County later this week to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces in recognition of Veterans Day.
Events kick off at 11 a.m. Friday morning in Dobbins Heights with its annual service at the community center, featuring guest speaker Gregory Morgan.
Morgan is a retired master sergeant of the U.S. Marine Corps. During his 21 years, Morgan served during Operation Restore Hope in Somalia in 1993 and helped with tsunami relief efforts in 2004, as well as senior spectrum manager for the Corps from 2005 until his retirement in 2009.
Following retirement, Morgan earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Management and Leadership — while working as senior electromagnetic spectrum engineer for the Department of Homeland Security. He currently works as a VA claims consultant.
At the same time, Richmond County Hospice will host its 14th annual Salute to Veterans event.
On Saturday, the local veterans organizations will host the county’s annual Veterans Day observance, starting at 11 a.m. at the Richmond County Veterans Memorial Park, across from VFW Post 4203 in Rockingham.
Retired Navy commander Joe G. Fitzgerald is scheduled to be the guest speaker.
A native of Albany, New York, Fitzgerald was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1978 as an ensign.
Fitzgerald first served aboard the USS Paul as an anti-submarine warfare and combat information officer before returning home to Albany as an enlisted programs officer with the Navy Recruiting District.
Fitzgerald later served aboard the USS W.S. Sims, USS Ticonderoga, USS Simpson, and was a deputy commander and commander of recruiting districts in the South before retiring in 2001 as inspector general for Navy Recruiting Command.
After retiring, Fitzgerald was a lecturer of marketing and management in the School of Business at Siena College in Loudonville, New York. He went on to serve as director of academic programs, assistant to the vice president for academic affairs, assistant dean of business, and interim associate dean of business.
Fitzgerald retired in 2023 and moved to Rockingham with his wife in 2024.
Following that event will be the annual Veterans Day Parade, which is being held in Hamlet this year, starting at 2 p.m. The parade will feature a demonstration by the All Veterans Jump Team and a performance by Mark McKinney and Company from 3:30-5 p.m. at Main Street Park.
Meanwhile, Rockingham Dragway is offering free entry to veterans and active military and first responders all weekend (Nov. 7-9) for Freedom at the Rock.
On-track action includes a test and tune on Friday, and racing in several classes both Saturday and Sunday.
Freedom at the Rock will also include a car show hosted by All Veterans Group and Innovation Performance Technologies, a flyover and parachute jump on Saturday, with the Ruckus and Chill audio competition out front both days.
See the Dragway’s social media pages for more information.
