Honoring our veterans

ASHEBORO — The 2024 edition of the Honoring Our Veterans Cruisin’ will complete the day with a drive to Petty’s Garage in Level Cross.

The 11th annual event that supports the Randolph County Veterans Council will be held this Saturday, Sept. 14, at Wayne Thomas Chevrolet, 1400 E. Dixie Drive, Asheboro. 

Here’s a look at the event’s lineup of activities:

— The day will officially begin at 9 a.m. with a flag-raising ceremony and the Pledge of Allegiance by the Southwestern Randolph High School Jr. ROTC. But those wishing to enter their vehicles in the car show can register beginning at 8 a.m. through 12:45 p.m. with a $25 donation.

— A Mobilgas reproduction gas pump, courtesy of Cox General Store, will be given away to the winner of a drawing. Tickets are $1 or 6 for $5 and can be purchased at Wayne Thomas Chevrolet this week or on the day of the show.

— During the event, there will be a silent auction, a 50/50 drawing and raffle tickets for a quilt with a car design produced by the women of Quilts of Valor. The silent auction will close at 1:45 p.m. and the quilt drawing will be held at 1:50 p.m.

— At 11:30 a.m., veterans will be asked to assemble in front of Wayne Thomas Chevrolet to form up for the Veterans March. All World War II veterans will be asked to come to the stage at 11:45 a.m. The Veterans March will then be led by Drill Sergeant Gary Davis. Veterans are asked to wear their dog tags.

— At 11:59, there will be a moment of silence honoring the memory of fallen veterans followed at noon with the playing of the National Anthem. 

— The event will then have a moment of silence in memory of Jerry Jeffers, the deceased flyover pilot from previous years. Wayne Thomas will lead a prayer.

— At 12:05, Judge Rob Wilkins of the Randolph County Veterans Council will talk about the struggles of veterans. Last year, the Honoring Our Veterans Cruise-In brought in $25,528.12 for the Randolph County Veterans Council. Those funds are used to assist veterans in their time of need.

— The Redline Band will perform from 12:15-1:30 p.m. The drawing for the gas pump will be held at 2 p.m. and the event at Wayne Thomas Chevrolet will end with the playing of “Taps.”

— Cars will then line up at 2:10 p.m. for the cruise to Petty’s Garage.

Rain date for the event is Sept. 21. 

For information or to purchase raffle tickets, call Wayne McGrady at 336-626-9555 or Jerry Trotter at 336-736-0627.