Busy day coming for veterans next week

ASHEBORO — From noon into the early evening hours, there will be lots of scheduled activities local veterans can partake in on Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

Here’s a look at those possibilities.

Veterans Day
Schedule of Events

Noon  —  Closing ceremonies for Field of Honor
South Asheboro Middle School
523 W. Walker Ave., Asheboro

The Field of Honor is a celebration of the community heroes. Four hundred US flags, in perfect rows and columns, represent the individuals who have given of themselves to others, from service men and women, veterans and first-responders to parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, pastors, friends ...  The event opens on

Saturday and will continue through the Wednesday closing.

Flags can be purchased and flown for $40 each, with all proceeds going to the Rotary Club of Asheboro Foundation and Veterans Bridge Home.

Closing ceremonies include a speaker and other respectful activities.

2 p.m.  —  Charters of Freedom Ribbon Cutting & Time Capsule Ceremony
147 Worth Street, Asheboro

A special dedication ceremony hosted by Randolph County, Foundation Forward, Inc., and the America 250 NC Randolph Committee to honor America’s foundational documents and 250th anniversary. They have been placed in permanent locations behind the Randolph County Courthouse and near the Veterans Memorial on the same street.

Each guest will receive a limited-edition commemorative keepsake celebrating American’s 250th anniversary.

4-5 p.m.  —  Veterans Day Parade
Downtown Asheboro
(Roads close around 3:30 p.m.)

Hosted by the Randolph County Veterans Council, the parade takes place on Church Street and Sunset Avenue in downtown Asheboro.

The annual procession honors local military veterans and service members.

5 p.m. (begins after Veterans Day Parade) — Pilot Club Luminary Ceremony & Program
Randolph County Historic Courthouse (Worth Street)

Luminaries are lit along the walkways in honor or memory of veterans.

The program features an opening prayer by Bishop Michael Trogdon, Color Guard by the Asheboro High School Air Force JROTC, patriotic music by Megan Crotty, a keynote address by Lt. Colonel Higgins, reading of names, a 21-gun salute by the Randolph County Honor Guard, and a raffle for an Americana quilt.

Canned food donations will also be collected for the local Veterans Pantry.

All week (Nov. 7-13)
9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day
Military Appreciation Week
North Carolina Zoo
4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro

Active duty, reserve, veteran and retired military personnel plus their spouses receive free on-site admission, and can bring up to three free guests.

At the Zoo admissions booths, look for the Military Appreciation Table to get vouchers upon confirmation of your military ID. Any of these IDs can be used: A US Veterans ID, Military ID, DD-214 with Photo ID, State driver’s license with veteran indicator or military identifier, ID issued by the VA, VFW or American Legion.

This discount is only available for admission purchased on-site.