Mike Parker: Family connections with World War II
I have written before about not having the opportunity to meet Sandra’s father – Floyd Dawson. The closest I have come is through several photos of him – one that stands constant guard in our living room. In that photo, Floyd Dawson stands on the right of an ambulance, while an unidentified soldier stands on the left. During World War II, he had one of the most disheartening jobs. He drove an ambulance to take the wounded from the front to field hospitals.
His brother, Vance Dawson, also served in World War II, but he was in the European theater. He was part of the soldiers who went ashore after D-Day to continue the push to Berlin.
Both Floyd and Vance were Lenoir County natives whose family had lived in the same part of the county since before the American Revolution.
This Friday and Saturday, September 26-27, the Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum, in partnership with Visit Kinston, is hosting Lenoir County Remembers: End of WWII Commemoration Event 80th Anniversary. The event is a two-day celebration honoring the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of those who served during World War II.
This event will take place at multiple locations in Kinston, including the CSS Neuse Museum (100 N Queen St) and the American Legion Building (300 N McLewean St).
This commemoration, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, will pay tribute to Lenoir County’s veterans and their contributions to the war effort.
Attendees will step back in time to experience the spirit of the 1940s through immersive exhibits, historical presentations, and a festive USO-style dance. On Friday, September 26, check-in begins at 4 p.m. at the American Legion Building. Before and after dinner, participants can explore a WWII-era display showcasing the spirit and sacrifice of that time. From 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., participants will be treated to a hearty Mess Hall Dinner followed by a special presentation titled WWII Through the Eyes of Historian Cliff Tyndall. This presentation will offer insights into Lenoir County’s wartime history.
On Saturday, participants will muster at 9 a.m. at the CSS Neuse Museum before moving out at 9:30 a.m. for a ceremony on the Courthouse Grounds to honor those who served. This ceremony will include a tribute to Lenoir County’s fallen heroes.
From 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., Cliff Tyndall will lead a guided bus tour that will explore Lenoir County’s WWII landmarks, including historic USO sites and the Marine Corps Auxiliary Airfield-Kinston. Chow time will follow from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the American Legion, offering another opportunity to browse the WWII exhibits.
At 5:30 p.m., organizers are asking you to step back in time for a USO-Style Dance at the CSS Neuse Museum. Guests are encouraged to don 1940’s attire to suggest the authentic experience. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. A PowerPoint presentation highlighting Lenoir County’s WWII veterans will show during dinner. At 7 p.m., prepare yourself to dance the night away to live Big Band music and a DJ set of classic 1940s hits. Hollywood stars and starlets will mingle among attendees.
Seating is limited for this event, so choose the ticket option that appeals to you now. Option 1 is the All-Access Pass for $60 per person for all events on Friday and Saturday. For those who want only to attend the Saturday Night Dinner and Dance, the ticket for that evening is $30.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum or contact Keith Hayes at cssneusegba@gmail.com or Thomas Bailey at tbailey@visitkinston.com. Follow the Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum on Facebook for updates.
The Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the CSS Neuse, a Confederate ironclad gunboat, and promoting educational programs that highlight Kinston’s rich historical legacy.
Let’s support and celebrate our collective legacy.
Mike Parker is a columnist for the News Neuse. You can reach him atmparker16@gmail.com.
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