Published: November 04, 2009 11:32 am      

Veterans’ ceremony set for Nov. 8

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918 — Nov. 11, 1918 — a cease fire agreement was signed which put an end to The Great War, World War I. In 1919, the United States first observed Armistice Day on the same date.

Across the nation, the date of Nov. 11 is still observed in honor of those who made sacrifices fighting for freedom. The observance has been known as “Veterans Day” since 1954, and pays tribute to all those who have fought for our country.

Once again, the American Legion’s LaFayette Post 149 of Fayetteville will host a Veterans’ Appreciation Day ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building in Fayetteville. The Honorable Judge John W. Hatcher Jr., himself a veteran, once again will serve as the master of ceremonies.

Members of the Fayetteville Ministerial Association and the Fayetteville Community Chorus will take part in the program, along with members of LaFayette Post 149.

Organizers urge Fayette County residents, as well as all veterans of the nation’s armed forces, to join in the program.

Following is the complete schedule of events.



Veterans’ Appreciation Day Program



Welcome — Comrade John W. Hatcher Jr., Judge

Introduction of official party — Comrade John W. Hatcher Jr., Judge (Rev. George Secrist, New River Baptist Church; Rev. Robert Morey, Fayetteville Christ Fellowship; Comrade William Brizandine; Comrade Kenneth Eskew, Fayette County Commissioner, Colonel, U.S. Army Retired; Comrade James F. Akers, American Legion LaFayette Post 149, Commander, Fayetteville mayor, USAF Retired; Comrade Robert Mulligan, American Legion LaFayette Post 149, Adjutant; and Rev. Clare Sulgit-Horn, Fayetteville United Methodist Church)

Posting of Colors — SSG Cupp and members of the U.S. Army Recruiting Station

Invocation — Rev. George Secrist

National Anthem — Rev. Robert Morey

Pledge of Allegiance — Comrade William Brizandine

Musical selections — Barbara Baker and the Fayetteville Community Chorus

POW/MIA ceremony — SSG Cupp and members of the U.S. Army Recruiting Station

Musical selections — Barbara Baker and the Fayetteville Community Chorus

Korea: “The Forgotten War” — Comrade Kenneth Eskew, Fayette County Commissioner, Colonel, U.S. Army Retired

Poem: “Freedom Is Not Free” — Comrade James Akers, Post 149 Commander, Mayor, USAF Retired

Roll call, presentation of certificates of appreciation and special award — Comrade Robert Mulligan, Post 149 Adjutant; Comrade Bob Bates; and Comrade James Lively

Musical selections — Barbara Baker and the Fayetteville Community Chorus, accompanied by Charles Morey on violin

Post 149 memorial roll call — Under the direction of Comrade Roy Smith

21-gun salute — Under the direction of Comrade Roy Smith

“Taps” — Under the direction of Comrade Roy Smith

Benediction — Rev. Clare Sulgit-Horn

Retiring of colors — SSG Cupp and members of the U.S. Army Recruiting Station

Thanks — Comrade John W. Hatcher Jr., Judge