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By Carrie Miller

Davie Senior Services

Davie County Senior Services celebrated veterans on Thursday, Nov. 10 at lunch and dinner.

Each year, volunteer Luther Potts begins preparing for the program by gathering door prizes and monetary donations for food, entertainment, and the program. There were 100 local business that sponsored the events this year.

This year w Senior Services celebrated this event with no Covid-19 precautions. The tables were set for more than 130 folks to attend each meal.

Potts welcomed 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.

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.

As dessert was served, Fairfield Bluegrass entertain guests with bluegrass music. All members of the band are age 17 and under.

Following the music, the periods of wartime were recognized along with female enlistees, the oldest veteran attending, POW, Purple Heart recipients, and Retirees.

At lunchtime, Cynthia Reavis spoke about her experience as a retiree of the U.S. Coast Guard.

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 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 Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. 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 senior services, stop by either the Bobby H. Knight Senior Center or the Senior Services Brock Campus or call at 336-753-6230.