05/13/17 — Memorial Day events planned

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Memorial Day events planned

By From staff reports
Published in News on May 13, 2017 11:38 PM

The Wayne County Veterans and Patriots Coalition is planning a number of events to commemorate Memorial Day. The public is invited to join with members of the coalition in paying tribute to the fallen warriors of Wayne County.

At 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 27, events will start with a breakfast at the American Legion Wayne Post 11, located 2973 U.S. 117 South in Dudley.

At 2 p.m. that day, there will be a dedication of a street named "Pfc. Dan Bullock Way" at Elmwood Cemetery. Bullock was the youngest soldier from Wayne County to die in the Vietnam War.

Introductions and a tribute to the fallen warriors will begin at 2 p.m., followed with flag distribution to team leaders. Cemeteries to be worked from the center are the Eastern Carolina Veterans Cemetery, Wayne Memorial Park, Wayne Memorial Park West, Elmwood, Willow Dale and Evergreen Memorial cemeteries.

On Monday, May 28, at 11 a.m., the official Wayne County Memorial Day Service will be held in Moffat Auditorium at Wayne Community College. Gold Star Wife Brenda F. Albritton will represent all fallen warriors, including her husband, Army Specialist 4 Dempsey W. Parrott, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1968.

The keynote speaker will be Col Christopher Sage, commander of the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

At 2:45, a moment of silence will observed at the Wayne County Veterans Memorial at 239 E. Walnut St. Col. Sage will speak. He and Ms. Albritton will also participate in the wreath laying at the Memorial Wall.

At 4 p.m. on Monday will be the dedication of a highway marker honoring the memory of Pfc. Bullock in the 200 block of West Ash Street.