Groundbreaking ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park of America in Whiteville

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — Several Veterans Day ceremonies were held across the area on Monday. But an event held as part of the city of Whiteville’s observance was special.  

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for a Veterans Community Outreach Center.  

Veterans Memorial Park of America spokesperson Angela Norris says the timing for the groundbreaking was perfect. 

“We chose Veterans Day because we always do an annual veterans’ ceremony at 11 o’clock every November the 11th. So, we just wanted to incorporate this so everyone would be aware and be a part of it. So that they can be in history and know what we are doing,” Norris said. 

She tells us the importance of honoring veterans.  

“It means that they were willing to give their blood sweat and tears for us to have freedom, so we need to honor them not just on Veterans Day but every day,” Norris exclaimed. 

Timothy Collier served in the air force for 4 years as a civil engineer. He is looking forward to the opening of the community outreach center. 

“Well, it is something that is needed because we’ve got over 4,000 veterans in Columbus County and everyone has a different story but it all boils down to the same thing of serving your county. So, it is a thrill to have it coming here at Columbus County and I want everybody to get involved,” Collier said. 

He believes the children need to be informed as they are the future. 

“Most importantly we need to tell our children. Explain to our children what it is to be patriotic, explain to our children what it is to love your country because our children are our future, and I think we need to pick up on that,” Collier noted. 

Norris adds the project is expected to take 6-9 months and they will also be including a museum to honor the history of the veterans.