Alexander County’s 2021 Memorial Day observance is set for Sunday, May 30 at 3:00 p.m. at the Alexander County Courthouse. The event is being conducted by the Alexander County Veterans Committee (VETCOM). “We hope everyone in the community will attend to remember and honor those veterans both deceased and living who have made great sacrifices in defense of the freedoms we hold so dear today,” said Alexander County Veterans’ Service Officer Cherry Kilby, who also heads the VETCOM. “It was not possible to conduct an observance in 2020 due to Covid-19, so we will recognize and honor those who have died in the past two years, along with all the others – past and present,” she added.
Being the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean Conflict, those veterans will be recognized for their service. All veterans of that conflict are especially urged to attend the event. Korean Conflict veterans who would like a reserved seat are asked to contact Cherry Kilby at the Alexander County Veterans Service office at (828) 632-5411.
Veterans from all wars will be recognized during the event along with Gold Star mothers both past and present.
VETCOM is made up of members of the three veteran service organizations in the county – VFW Posts 5466 and 10,000, American Legion Post 170, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 84. Each group will participate in the event, along with members of the Alexander Central High School JROTC. “This observance gives all Alexander County residents an opportunity to remember those who have given so much to defend liberty and justice for all,” Kilby said. “I hope everyone will take advantage to remember them during this solemn occasion.”
The Alexander County Veterans Honor Guard will pay tribute to deceased veterans with the firing of rifle volleys and the playing of “Taps” to conclude the event.