Veterans Day - Raleigh NC

Veterans Day Celebration in Downtown Raleigh NC

What is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is always celebrated on November 11th.  The holiday began in 1919, and was originally called Armistice Day.  In 1954, Armistice Day (created to recognize WWI soldiers) was changed to Veterans Day, to honor soldiers who have served in every conflict throughout our history.  On Veterans Day we recognize those who served: both living, and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, unlike Memorial Day when we recognize only those we lost in serving their country.

Recognizing Our Veterans

Veterans are offered special recognition in the Raleigh Area, through the efforts of local volunteer organizations. 

For the past 27 years, the Wake County Council of Veterans Organizations, Inc. has sponsored the North Carolina Veterans Parade and Ceremony. This is an exciting event in which to show the men and women who are serving today and those who have served in the past years that their sacrifices and commitment to this country are appreciated.  The WCCVO represents nearly 50,000 veterans and their families throughout Wake County.

Parades and Ceremonies

On 8 November 2008, the WCCVO will be sponsoring their 27^th North Carolina Veterans Parade and Ceremony. The Parade will start at 9:15 am on the corners of E Davie St and Fayetteville St, in downtown Raleigh.

Spectator Map and Participant Information

The WCCVO and the American Red Cross and The National Veterans Freedom Park are collaborating with a series of events beginning with the Parade, Ceremonies in Raleigh at the Capitol, then displays and a concert at the KoKa Booth Amphitheatre in Cary.

8th of November Concert Celebration - Features Billy Ray Cyrus, Josh Gracin, Bo Bice, and Rockie Lynne, starts Saturday November 8th at 5pm. 

Remembering Our Heroes

There was a battle in Vietnam during and operation called Operation Hump between the 173^rd Airborne and the North Vietnamese; during this battle 45 Americans where killed and many more wounded. A medic who was badly wounded kept working to save his fellow soldiers. As a result of his unselfish act of bravery he was awarded the Medal Of Honor.  

The Medic was Lawrence Joel from Winston Salem, NC. He was the first black American soldier to be awarded the Medal Of Honor since the Spanish American War. Sgt. Joel passed away in the 1980s.  

One of the men he saved that day was Niles Harris. Niles Harris met and befriended two country music stars who later wrote and performed a song "8 November" dedicated to Niles and the men of the 173^rd and Operation Hump.  Niles will be serving as the Grand Marshal of the Parade and the Red Cross has commissioned an artist to do a mural of the battle that will be presented to the National Veterans Freedom Park at the concert.

For More Information About Veterans Day Events

For more information please contact: Bill Dixon/Parade Chairman at 919-434-7345, fax: 1-866-511-8130 or his email at bill.dixon@ZipRealty.com

Website: www.nc.veteransparade.com                                                       

Veterans History Project

Do you know a Veteran, or have you served our country?  Find out more about the Veterans History Project at the National Veterans History Archival Institute.  This volunteer service will record your stories, and give the you and your family copies of the interview.  Your stories will become part of the National Archives, and any documents you have will help create records lost in a devastating warehouse fire.      

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