CFCC to Host Veteran Panels for Upcoming America 250 Celebration

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Cape Fear Community College will host a three-day panel series featuring military veterans as part of the national America 250 celebration, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The event will be held April 6–8 in CFCC’s Union Station, Room 170, at 502 N. Front Street. Each day will focus on a different era of American military history.

The series begins April 6 with “The War at Home,” highlighting World War II. April 7’s session, “Patriotism and Protest,” will explore the Vietnam War era. The final panel on April 8, “What Is War Now,” will focus on modern conflicts and the evolving nature of military service.

Each session will start with a brief historical overview of the conflict, followed by discussions with veterans sharing personal experiences, including motivations for enlisting, daily life in the military, and lasting impacts on their lives, families, and communities. Panels will also include perspectives on military families, community support, and long-term effects such as PTSD and the transition to an all-volunteer force.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the panelists. The event is free and open to the public.

The series is part of the nationwide, bipartisan America 250 celebration. Organizers said the discussions aim to deepen understanding of both the personal and historical dimensions of military service while honoring those who have served.