Nov 11

Nov 11 Veterans Day Parade at the North Carolina State Veteran’s Home in Kinston

A Veterans Day Parade was held at the North Carolina State Veteran’s Home in Kinston. Residents were lined up around the building along with staff as members of the community celebrated the holiday. The parade included engine 22 from the Kinston Fire Department, the American Legion, Mooves Dance Studio and Salute.

“Veteran’s Day is really one of the most important days of remembrances or acknowledgments that we have in our country’s history,” said US Rep. Dr. Greg Murphy (R-NC 3). “Seeing all the veterans who sacrificed so much to serve our country so that you and I can be free. It’s so critical to give them acknowledgment and thanks for the sacrifice that they did.”

Veterans were in the parade on motorcycles, in cars, and walking with the other participants. In 1954, Congress passed a bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.

“It was wonderful. A lot of these veterans have been kept in isolation. It’s good to get them out and let them have a little bit of fresh air and just see that people appreciate them,” said Murphy.

The spectators and staff wore masks and did their best with social distancing to allow for a parade during the pandemic.

“It’s important and I’ve said this during the entire pandemic. We can’t be afraid or stop living because we’re afraid of dying. We’ve had to adapt, and we’ve had to do things differently than we’ve done in the past,” said Murphy. “Again, it’s important to reach out to people’s hearts, to listen to them, and still be out in the community as much as is safe.”