Honoring Our Veterans Cruisin’ to celebrate 10 years

ASHEBORO — The Honoring Our Veterans Cruisin’ will be celebrating its 10th year on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Wayne Thomas Chevrolet, 1400 East Dixie Drive.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Randolph County Veterans Council, an organization that serves the needs of veterans of the county. A total of $142,176 has been raised for the Veterans Council from the 9 previous events.

The event will kick off at 9 a.m. with the raising of the American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance by the Southwestern Randolph High School Jr. ROTC.

Those wishing to display their vehicles can register from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. with a $25 donation to register. A silent auction and sale of raffle tickets for a quilt will be ongoing from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. A 50/50 drawing will be available from 8 a.m.-1:50 p.m. The drawing for the quilt will take place at 1:50 p.m.

Tickets for a special Sunoco reproduction gas pump, courtesy of Cox General Store, will be $1 each or 6 for $5. At 2 p.m., all drivers will be asked to come to the stage for the drawing. Those purchasing tickets can choose to mark “Sell” on their ticket, in which case the gas pump will be auctioned off. You do not have to be present to win but the winner is responsible for any expenses, including state and federal taxes and shipping fees. If the pump isn’t picked up within 30 days, it will be sold and the proceeds go to the Randolph County Veterans Council.

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.

A moment of silence will be observed to honor fallen veterans, followed at noon by the playing of the National Anthem and a flyover by planes from the NC Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame.

Judge Rob Wilkins of the Council will speak at 12:05 p.m. on the struggles of veterans. Laura Ashley, a performing artist, will display her painting techniques at 12:10 p.m. The Redline Band will perform from 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Taps will be played at 2:05 p.m. and vehicles will begin lining up at 2:10 p.m. for the cruise to the Asheboro Regional Airport.

Rain date is Sept. 23. For information, call Wayne McGrady at 336-626-9555 or Jerry Trotter at 336-736-0627. 

Tickets for the Sunoco gas pump can be purchased from McGrady or Trotter, or picked up at Wayne Thomas Chevrolet. The tickets will also be available the day of the event.