The Town of Wake Forest recently joined with several local veterans’ organizations to introduce a monthly flag-raising ceremony honoring the sacrifices of deceased Wake Forest veterans and their families.
The observances began on Oct. 6 with a service honoring Walter Ervin Cole, followed on Nov. 3 with a ceremony in honor of Benny Charles Jackson.
A committee comprised of representatives from American Legion Post 187, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 187, VFW Post 8466, the Wake Forest Purple Heart Foundation, Marine Corps League 1257, the Wake Forest High School JROTC and the Town of Wake Forest is soliciting the names of deceased Wake Forest veterans who may be honored during future flag-raising ceremonies.
To be eligible for consideration, the deceased veteran must meet one of the following criteria: 1) joined active duty in Wake Forest; 2) died in Wake Forest; or 3) was a member of a Wake Forest veterans’ organization.
Friends or family members of deceased veterans who meet at least one of these criteria are urged to contact the Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Committee Chair Dennis Mecum at 919-327-7887 or cdrvfwpost8466@yahoo.com.
Wake Forest’s flag-raising ceremonies are held monthly from April through November at 11 a.m. in Centennial Plaza.
Family and friends of each month’s honored veteran are invited to participate in the service, which includes patriotic songs, special remarks, a memorial wreath laying and the ceremonial flag-raising by members of the Wake Forest High School JROTC. After raising the American flag, the JROTC then raises the respective service flag of the military branch in which the honoree served. Both flags are then flown in Centennial Plaza throughout the remainder of the month.
The next Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremony is scheduled for Monday, April 6, at 11 a.m. The ceremony honoring Roger Marvin Hockaday will begin with the retirement of Benny Jackson’s colors, which will be presented to the Jackson family by Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones.
For more information about the Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremonies, contact Communications & Public Affairs Director Bill Crabtree at 919-435-9421 or bcratbree@wakeforestnc.gov.
