Davie County Senior Services celebrated their annual Veterans Appreciation Event on Thursday, November 10 at lunch and dinner.
Each year, volunteer Luther Potts begins preparing for the program by gathering door prizes and monetary donations to allow for great food, entertainment, and fun at the program. There were exactly 100 local business that sponsored the events this year to make everything possible.
This year was an exciting year because Senior Services was able to celebrate this event with no covid-19 precautions. The tables were set for over 130 folks to attend each meal.
The programs started by Potts welcoming the crowds followed by Mike Drayton with the invocation, moment of silence, and prayer. At lunch, the Clemmons VFW posted the colors and at dinner, the Davie County High School JROTC posted the colors. After the colors were posted, at lunch Anthony Roberts led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance while Clyde Scott Sr. led the Pledge of Allegiance at dinner.
At both events, Benita Finney led the crowd in the singing of the National Anthem while Marie Craig played the piano.
Following the National Anthem, the Branches of Service were recognized. Flagbearers included Carter Robertson, Jim Murphy, Corbin Scott, Lee Page, Gary Heinz, Gene Hinsdale, Cynthia Reavis, Ed Godbey, and Mike Drayton. The POW/MIA were remembered and honored by the POW Remembrance Table, and Susan King volunteered and shared with the crowd what each item on the table symbolized.
Following the POW table, the meals were served. This year, the meal was catered by Miller’s Restaurant and consisted of marinated pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a roll. The dessert was strawberry cobbler. This meal was absolutely delicious!
As dessert was served, Fairfield Bluegrass was invited to the stage to entertain the guests with fantastic bluegrass music. Their performances were absolutely wonderful, and it’s amazing that all members of the band that attended were 17 and under!
Following the music, the different periods of wartime were recognized along with female enlistees, the oldest veteran attending, POW, Purple Heart recipients, and Retirees. At lunchtime, Cynthia Reavis spoke during this time and shared about her experience as a retiree of the United States Coast Guard. Reavis was originally from Davie County and enjoyed being present at this event. The oldest veterans in attendance were Sheek Bowden at lunchtime and Bill Roberts at dinner, both served in World War II.
Following this time of recognition, Potts shared announcements of the different places offering free meals or services for the veterans on Veteran’s Day and shared that Thao Sommerville will be coming to Davie County Senior Services on January 31st at 1:00 PM for the quarterly Veteran’s Social to share her story of escaping Vietnam. Veterans Socials will also start monthly in April in partnership with Trellis Supportive Care, and Senior Services hopes that all Veterans of Davie County will attend these events.
To close out the ceremony, Senior Services Director, Kim Shuskey, announced Door Prize Winners and the Clemmons VFW played the Taps.
For more information about upcoming Veterans events at Davie County Senior Services, please stop by either the Bobby H. Knight Senior Center or the Senior Services Brock Campus or give them a call at 336-753-6230.
Original source can be found here