The Daily Record
Field Of Honor Dedicated
By KEILAH GOFF
Of The Record Staff
Under perfect blue skies, people gathered on the lawn of the General William C. Lee Airborne Museum in Dunn to honor and remember those who have served as the names of 340 men and women were read to dedicate the flags filling the Field of Honor. The grassy field adjacent to the museum has been transformed into a garden of more than 300 U.S. flags posted in perfect rows and columns in tribute to those currently serving in the military, veterans who have served and the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s security and freedom. First responders and local heroes are also recognized with flags.
A special flag was added near the entrance of the field in memory of Eddy Rae’Laurin Gates, 20, of Dunn, one of the nine soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas, killed last week when their truck overturned in a flooded creek during a train- See Dedicated, Page 3
Left, Lillian Jackson of Girl Scout Troop 56 leads the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance at Wednesday’s Field of Honor flag dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.To her right are Miss Dunn’s Outstanding Teen Savannah Culbreth, Sion Harrington III, Dunn Mayor Oscar Harris and Dave Taylor Jr. Right, a special flag is placed near the entrance of the Field of Honor in memory of Eddy Rae’Laurin Gates, 20, of Dunn, one of the nine soldiers from Fort Hood,Texas, killed last week when their truck overturned in a flooded creek during training.
Daily Record Photo/Keilah Goff Dedication
Continued From Page One
ing exercise.
Mayor Oscar Harris opened the solemn ceremony, welcoming veterans and guests, especially recognizing World War II veterans Keith Finch, Roy Tart and Carole Underwood, who sat together on the front row.
“We want to play duty and homage and honor to those who have served this country,” Mayor Harris said.
He thanked the event chairwoman, Dana Cochran, for her effort in coordinating the Field of Honor.
Fred Burt and Sion Harrington III, members of the Provincial Parachute Group, presented the colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Lillian Jackson of Girl Scout Troop 56 and the national anthem, sung by Savannah Culbreth, Miss Dunn’s Outstanding Teen 2016.
Dave Taylor Jr., whose resonating voice carried over the audience, read the poignant poem “I Am the Flag” by Howard Schnauber, before the names for each dedicated flag were read by Sara Williams, minister to families and outreach at First Baptist Church of Dunn.
Terry Whittenton closed the ceremony with a touching prayer of dedication and remembrance before the playing of “Taps” over the field of flags by Joe Edwards.
“I thank you today for every man and woman in the past who signed on the dotted line and said I will serve,” said Mr. Whittenton. “We realize that our freedom today is not free, but it was bought with a price of individuals and people who were willing to give all so that we could have it all.”
The crowd then moved to the field where Mayor Harris, surrounded by veterans and city leaders,
cut the ribbon to officially open the field for visitors.
This is one of the events connected to the week-long General Lee Celebration which will culminate with a free concert in Tart Park Saturday night featuring country music star Charlie Daniels.
Flags are 3 feet by 5 feet and will be mounted on poles with laminated tags and ribbons tied to each one identifying who the flag is in honor or memory of and something about the hero. The flags are $35 for the first flag and $30 for every flag after the first and you get to keep your flag after the event and fly it at your own home or preserve it as a keepsake. Funds raised will benefit the Patriot Fund of Southern Pines that provides scholarships for the children of fallen soldiers.
When the event is over, all flags may be picked up at the General Lee Museum on July 6 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. You may also elect to donate your flag to a worthy organization.
The flags will fly, weather permitting, through July 5. Residents are invited to visit the Field of Honor display and walk amid the flags during daylight hours and drive by the display in the evenings as the flags will be illuminated.
Pig Cook-Off Note:
Friday night is the beginning of the Pig Cook-Off Competition at Tart Park. Sixteen teams have signed up for the N.C. Pork Council- sanctioned event to battle for the $1,000 first place prize, according to Cook-Off Chairman Todd Snyder.
After the winners are announced Saturday morning, the barbecue will be served to the public for $8 a plate from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the parking lot in front of the P.K. Vyas Center at Tart Park. After that time, any remaining barbecue will be made in to sandwiches and Old-Timers Trays and sold throughout the afternoon for $5. Local businesses may call Mr. Snyder at (910) 292-2069 to order lunch plates for delivery. All proceeds from the plate and sandwich sales will be split between the General William C. Lee Memorial Commission and the Patriot Foundation.
Other Gen. William C. Lee Week Events:
• Today — Gen. Lee Golf Tournament, Keith Hills, $60 per player, $240 per team, lunch provided. Sponsored by the Dunn Rotary Club. Lunch served at 11 a.m. with tee time at noon. Call (910) 8902416 for registration.
• Today — Gen. Lee Celebration Gospel Sing. Local group Butler, Hughes & Hayes will open at 7 p.m. for Brian Free & Assurance, who perform at 8 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, Dunn.
• Friday — 6 to 10 p.m. General Lee Evening Tour. Tour the home of Gen. William C. Lee and his wife, Dava, at 209 W. Divine St.
• Friday — 8 p.m. to midnight. One Starry Night, Lawn Party at The Howard House, 402 S. Layton Ave., Dunn. Entertainment by the John Dupree Band. Sponsored by the Dunn Woman’s Clubs. Tickets are $50 per couple, $30 individually. Call (910) 892-3282 for more information.
• Friday — Pig Cookoff Competition at Tart Park, Jackson Road, Dunn. Call (910) 892-3282 for information.
• Saturday — 8 a.m. Veterans Reunion Breakfast, American Legion Building, Jonesboro Road, Dunn. Free to all veterans. Guest speaker Jean Quetier, mayor of Sainte-Mère-Église. Sponsored by American Legion Post 59.
• Saturday — 9 a.m. to noon registration. Harnett County Cruisers Car Show at the P.K. Vyas Center parking lot at Tart Park. Winners announced at 3 p.m.
• Saturday — 10:30 a.m. Walk in the Park Parade With a Veteran, Tyler Park at 803 W. Harnett St. Decorate your bike, golf cart, wagon or pet in a patriotic fashion and stroll through the park in honor of those who serve and have served. Parade line up from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Awards presented after parade along with a tribute to our veterans. Call (910) 892-4113 for information.
• Saturday — 6 p.m. Evening in the Park. The final tribute to General William C. Lee will be held as performers take the stage and entertain the crowds. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with local favorites, The Band of Oz. There is no admittance charge and anticipation of a great night is kicked off with entrance of The Black Daggers Parachute Team. The highlight of the evening will be The Charlie Daniels Band concert beginning at 8 p.m. No coolers or outside food allowed. Bring a lawn chair. The night closes with a beautiful display of patriotic fireworks.
