Southport marks Memorial Day
SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — In a city known for its deep military roots and patriotic spirit, the Southport community gathered Monday to honor the men and women who died serving the country during Memorial Day events across the city.
Families lined North Howe Street as a parade featuring vintage fire trucks, golf carts, and patriotic displays made its way through downtown Southport. Many waved American flags as the procession moved toward the historic John N. Smith Cemetery, where community members gathered for a Memorial Day ceremony honoring fallen service members.
“All gave some, some gave all,” said Willie Gore.
Retired United States Army Colonel Willie Gore, the current commander of the Bellamy Joyner American Legion Post 213 in Southport, said the turnout reflected the community’s strong support for veterans and military families.
“We live in an area that is very patriotic and it shows that all the time, and so I was never worried about the crowd they support us very much and many of these folk that you see here of course grew up during the age of draft conscriptions so many of them are veterans or many of them family members of veterans so we’re just so happy to see them respond in such a way,” said Gore.
Southport Mayor Joe Pat Hatem said this year’s observance carried additional meaning as the country remains involved in ongoing conflicts overseas.
“As President Kennedy said on Memorial Day in 1962, ‘We remember those who have died,’ that we remember the fallen, but it’s time for us to unite, to come together, to pray for peace, to search for that lasting peace, and that’s what we need,” said Hatem.
Hatem said he was proud to see the community come together to remember those who lost their lives serving the country.
“We care about the freedoms that someone gave their life for, and we remember that. We remember it every day, but especially on Memorial Day, and I’m so proud of the citizens of Southport for their thoughtfulness in coming to this event,” said Hatem.
Memorial Day in Southport was marked not only by patriotic celebrations but by a community gathering to honor and remember those who never made it home.
