Local Veterans Remember Fallen Comrades

For the 76th year, American Legion Raleigh Post No. 1 hosted a ceremony that brought back memories for so many.

“You can tell in my voice, it’s tough to talk about it without getting a little bit weepy,” said Bob Rinn, a World War II veteran.

This weekend is about more than just attending a picnic or watching fireworks, said Oliver Smith, a Korean War veteran. It's a weekend of meaning, of honoring, of laying wreaths and of paying tribute to the country's fallen heroes.

“There were a lot of guys that went over that did not come back, and we will remember those guys,” said Michael Mathis, a Vietnam War veteran.

At 89 years old, Mille Dunn Veasey, a World War II vet, said she still remembers the war.

“One can never forget, never forget,” she said. “It’s beyond words what one can feel.”

More American Legion members are holding Memorial Day observances on Monday.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., a ceremony at the Capitol Grounds in Raleigh will honor North Carolinians who served during times of war.

In Fayetteville, a number of events get under way at 7:30 a.m. at Hay Street and Bragg Boulevard. There will be a bike race, a memorial service at Freedom Memorial Park and wreath-laying ceremony.

In Durham, the American Legion Post will hold a graveside ceremony at 5:30 p.m. at the Maplewood Cemetery on Duke University Road.

A ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Cary. Another ceremony is planed for 11 a.m. at the Heritage Golf Course in Wake Forest.

Carrboro will hold its military commemoration from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Farmers Market next to Town Hall.