Wrightsville Beach honors local veterans during Veterans Day ceremony

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. (WWAY) — Community members gathered at Wrightsville Beach Park on Monday morning to honor local veterans ahead of Veterans Day.

The town of Wrightsville Beach hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony, recognizing veterans from several branches of the U.S. military for their service and sacrifice.

The ceremony featured keynote speaker Ronald Copley, who shared memories of his time serving in Vietnam in 1969.

Copley, who served in the U.S. Army Special Forces from 1968 to 1969, emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

“It takes a certain kind of person, and it’s not only that person but their families, they have to share in that sacrifice,” Copley said. “So is it worth it? Absolutely, it’s worth it. No question in my mind. 100 percent I would do it again.”

The ceremony was one of several events across the Cape Fear region honoring those who have served in the U.S. military ahead of Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11.