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FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Soldiers know they can deploy at any moment, so they cherish holidays they get to spend at home.
Fort Bragg held most of its Thanksgiving festivities Wednesday instead of the traditional day on Thursday.
Soldiers went to a memorial service for fallen paratroopers.
Then, the 82nd Airborne Division hosted its annual Thanksgiving meal on post.
"It's a blessing," said Sgt. 1st Class Duane Whitman. "I'm not really going to realize it until I'm home tomorrow with my family. There might be some tears there."
Roughly 500 people turned out for the event.
Cooks prepared more than 400 pounds of turkey and used more than 35 loaves of bread for stuffing.
The dinner came among rumors of a possible huge deployment next month.
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