Mike Parker: Salute! hosts two events to honor veterans.

Around Veterans Day each year, Salute! plans a tribute to veterans and active-duty service personnel. Salute! is a non-profit veteran organization that operates G.I. Joe’s Living Military History Museum.

The first event is a concert featuring the “Tar River Community Band” of Greenville. The band will be providing patriotic music in support of our Veterans Day activities. The concert will be held at the Joseph Dixon Rountree American Legion Post #43, 300 North McLewan Street, Kinston, NC.

The concert will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, with the performance starting at 7 p.m. Refreshments will follow. This annual concert is presented in conjunction with other Salute! events held the weekend before Veterans Day.

The “Tar River Community Band” started making music in 1987. Since its creation, the band has welcomed musicians from all walks of life. Musicians include members of the region’s business, teaching, and medical communities – along with college students and retirees.

Since its inception, the band has served as an outlet for musicians looking to share their talents with the community. The band continues to grow, with members from across Eastern North Carolina. Members live and perform in Pitt, Beaufort, Wayne, Wilson, Martin, and Edgecombe County. They play a wide variety of music, including marches, show tunes, movie scores, jazz, swing, and classical, representing all levels of difficulty.

Salute! will also host a “2026 Veterans Show” on Saturday, November 7, 2026. This USO-type veterans show will take place at the Performing Arts Center located at Kinston High School.

The show will start at 7 p.m. with the theme “Past, Present and Future.” Representatives from all branches of the U.S. military will be present during the show’s opening to recognize veteran attendees.

The show is free to the public.

The performances will feature local singers and dance studios sharing their talents to support the United States’ 250th anniversary and the freedom we have because of our veterans’ sacrifices.

G.I. Joe’s Military Living History Museum, nestled in Lenoir County, is a beacon of honor and remembrance. The museum pays tribute to the veterans who have served this country throughout our history.

Located at 1165 B Hwy 11/55 in Kinston, North Carolina, G.I. Joe’s Military Living History Museum stands as a living testament to the sacrifices American veterans have made. With a mission to ensure that history is not forgotten, the museum provides a comprehensive view of military history from the Revolutionary War to the present day.

G.I. Joe’s isn’t merely a place to view artifacts. The museum is a place of healing and support and includes programs such as therapeutic art and writing groups to help veterans, spouses, and children deal with things like PTSD.

The museum also actively participates in community events and fundraisers, ensuring that veterans are not overlooked. They hold events such as the Black History program and other Sloppy Joe events. The Flag Field of Honor, which lets individuals sponsor American flags in honor of loved ones, offers silent testimony to those who served in our armed forces.

Plan to attend both the band concert and the USO-type show to honor our veterans. Support Salute! and G.I. Joe’s as they tell the story of those who gave of themselves to preserve our freedom.

Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.