Six more veterans were honored with crosses and flags Monday in downtown Pembroke as part of the John Duggar American Legion Post 164 Veterans Day Ceremony.
Approximately 25 people attended the event, which saw crosses bearing the names of James Henry Ball, Arthur Lee Flanders Jr., Leonard Lundy, Melvin J. Neagle, Carlton L. Purvis Jr. and Richard Randolph Waters -- each cross with an American flag flying above it -- added to the more than 200 erected each patriotic holiday by the Pembroke Flag Committee.
Ball, Purvis and Waters served in the Navy. Flanders served in the Air Force while Lundy and Neagle served in the Army. Their service, and that of all veterans, should be remembered, 10-year-old Hunter Neagle said.
Hunter, the grandson of the late Melvin Neagle, was one of two speakers at Monday’s ceremony. The 10-year-old homeschooler listed a number of activities he and his siblings like to do, and said none would be possible were it not for those who serve.
“The sacrifices made by the brave men and women in the military make this possible,” he said, and closed with, “thank you for your service.”
Neagle’s speech was a tough act to follow, said Marvin Miller, an Army veteran and commander of Post 164. He gave a short history of Veterans Day – which has its roots in the end of World War I – and noted it was important that veterans ensure “every veteran believes that his or her service to this country is respected by their fellow Americans.”
What’s more, Miller said, “one responsibility that all Americans should carry is the remembrance of those who have made our freedom possible.”
He noted each year the country loses veterans who were eyewitnesses to “events that shaped our world,” and came home to “support our communities long after service.”
Pembroke Mayor Tiffany Zeigler, who was unable to attend Monday's observance because she was out of town on city business, said Tuesday she was grateful to the community's veterans.
"In the history of our city over the last 119 years, we have had many of our own men and women who have fought unselfishly for our freedom as a city, state and nation," Zeigler said, then addressed them directly. "Your acts of bravery do not go unnoticed. With respect, honor and gratitude, today and every day, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Miller said in 1980 about 18 percent of U.S. adults were veterans. Today that number is around five percent, while active duty soldiers make up less than one-half of one percent, he said, but are on missions around the world and in the U.S.
“All Americans benefit from the service of this small and distinguished group of volunteers who currently comprise the U.S. Armed Forces,” Miller said, adding, “On this Veterans Day, we honor the warriors who have served and continue to serve in the greatest military the world has ever known.”
At Monday’s ceremony, the Bryan County High School JROTC color guard presented the colors while Eli Foxworth led the Pledge of Allegiance and Jennifer Parker sang the National Anthem. Post 164 Sergeant at Arms Greg Aksdal was master of ceremonies.