WAXHAW, NC – November 11, 2020, marked the 82nd annual Veteran’s Day in America. This year’s local celebration was moved indoors due to weather and was held at Forest Hill Church in Waxhaw instead of at the Military Wall of Honor. This year’s celebration also featured several virtual moments including the unveiling and dedication of a new statue at the Wall of Honor. “Reflection” was sculpted by Peter Rubino while Karen Johnson, of the Union County Entrepreneurs and Waxhaw’s American Legion Auxiliary, spearheaded the project.
This year’s ceremony featured a Welcome by Mayor Ron Pappas; an Invocation by Bill Connell, Waxhaw Police Department Chaplain; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Waxhaw Cub Scout Pack 53; the National Anthem performed by Rachel Sawhook; the unveiling and dedication of the Veterans Sculpture by Peter Rubino and Karen Johnson; Guest Speaker Donn Kegal, USAF Retired, Commander of the Indian Trail VFW; presentation of Quilts of Valor by Edna Drakeford; and Closing remarks by Mayor Ron Pappas.
The local chapter of Quilts of Valor, headed by Edna Drakeford, continued their tradition of creating quilts for local heroes. Quilts were presented this year to Doug Deming (Korean War, Marine Air Wing, 1951-1953), Roy Settle (Army, Vietnam War, 9th Infantry, 1966-1968), Gary Gemes (Air Force, Vietnam War), Ernie Hayes (Army, Military Police Col., Vietnam War), Jim Brightbill (Air Force), Bob Chipley (Air Force, Med Vac, 1970-1971), Scott Inge (Marine), Douglas Wolfe (Air Force, 2003-2006), Krista Gemes (Marines, Gulf War, 2014-2017), and Donn Kegal (Air Force Retired Colonel). Please contact Drakeford at (704) 575-0640 if you would like to nominate a Veteran, help make a quilt, or make a donation towards supplies.
