The Wilson County Committee on Patriotism plans to honor all past and current local members of the U.S. Armed Forces on Veterans Day.
The annual program is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, in front of the Wilson County Courthouse, 115 Nash St. The ceremony generally lasts around an hour and includes patriotic music, speeches and flag ceremonies.
In case of rain, the event will be moved to the City Council chambers, Wilson City Hall, 112 Goldsboro St. E. Either way, the public will be welcome to attend.
“Rain or shine, we are always glad and excited to gather and celebrate the men and women who have done so much to ensure our country’s freedoms,” said Committee Chairman Ray Chambers.
The commission has invited Theresa Mathis of the City of Wilson’s Human Relations office. She has worked for the city for 20 years and works on many annual events as well as advising the Wilson Youth Council. Her son, Duncan Mathis, who served in the Marines and was wounded in Afghanistan, spoke at the commission’s 2019 Memorial Day ceremony.
The Veterans Day service will also include music from New Hope Elementary School chorus, led by music teacher Sara Bennington; national anthem by Tynia Pender of Wilson Chapel FWBC Youth Choir; flag ceremonies involving the Junior ROTCs of Beddingfield, Hunt and Fike high schools; a welcome by Wilson City Councilmember Logan Liles; a POW/MIA service; a placing of a wreath in honor of the county’s war dead; and prayers by James A. Faison, the committee’s chaplain. The event concludes with a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.”
Afterward, the audience is invited to enjoy a free hotdog lunch. Tickets will be given out at the event.
If the ceremony is held on the courthouse plaza, it will be recorded and broadcast on the city’s Channel 8 on Greenlight and other cable systems. It will also be streamed live online and available to be replayed later; go to WilsonNC.org for links.
If it is held in council chambers, it will be broadcast live on the city’s channel and online. Some planned activities will be curtailed if the ceremony is inside. Go to the city’s Facebook or website for links that day.
City closes for holiday
The City of Wilson will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11, in observation of Veterans Day.
People who normally have garbage and recycling service on Tuesday will instead be served on Wednesday. There will be no special pickups that Wednesday.
Anyone needing to pay a bill can do so online at www.WilsonNC.org; use the automated system at 399-2200; or use the kiosk in the first drive-thru lane at the customer service center, 208 Nash St. NW. Payments through the kiosk apply to City of Wilson utility and Greenlight customer accounts instantly.
Wilson RIDE will operate Tuesday, although the driver pool might be reduced. Use the Via app or call 595-5357 to schedule rides.
Emergency services and utilities will be staffed throughout the holiday.
