Evelyn Dove Coleman: Veterans Served Our Country

I am from a family of veterans. My brothers Bobby, Bill, and Jesse Dove all served, and I served. Some of my uncles and cousins served.  It is a distinct honor to have served the United States of America in the military. We are trained in discipline and drilled in integrity.

The Kinston/Lenoir County area has many veterans who are active in the Vietnam Veterans Association Post 892, the VFW Post 2771, the AmVets Post 1111, and the American Legion Post 43. I was once the Chaplain of American Legion Post 43 but moved due to my health. The current VVA Post 892 officers are President Wilson Jones, Vice President Claude Randolph, 2nd VP L.J. Hoffman, Secretary Carl Hill, and Treasurer Bill Dove.

When we salute the Flag, it means something special to us. We see it and we respect what it stands for every day. When we salute each other, that means we recognize something in each other that we simply understand.  We have sacrificed being away from home, in harm's way, for America.

Many veterans return home changed forever. Some service members  never return. We salute and honor every single veteran. Please endeavor to find ways to say thank you for your service to those you encounter or know. It helps us to stand a little taller.