Wednesday, November 11, marked Veterans Day with a series of events that brought together students, service members, families and local volunteers throughout central North Carolina. The day began early at North Carolina State University, where the campus hosted a morning Honor Run and ceremony at the Memorial Belltower in Raleigh.
NC State Honor Run and ceremony
At 6 a.m., members of the Wolfpack ROTC and the Veteran Services Office laced up their shoes alongside veterans, current service members and community supporters. Runners were encouraged to pin a veteran’s photograph to their shirt, write a name on their arm or hat, or simply carry the spirit of those who served in their hearts.
Among the participants was U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Ian Macdonald, a student at NC State who continues to serve on active duty. “It’s an important holiday, especially for active‑duty military members. We get lumped in but it’s really about the veterans who’ve been in much more serious wars than we have,” he said, adding that Marines “stand on the shoulders of giants, the men and women who came before us.”
Following the run, a wreath‑laying ceremony featured music and remarks from guest speakers. Bob Burton, a 30‑year veteran who also ran the course, praised the event’s sense of camaraderie: “The teamwork, the tribe, the mission, the nation, the flag and everything that America stands for is represented right here from across the services, from the student population to those supporters in the community who show up.”
Governor Stein’s special honors at NCCU
Governor Josh Stein arrived at North Carolina Central University around noon to present special honors. He formally inducted several veterans into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the state’s most prestigious awards for extraordinary service to North Carolina. The governor’s remarks highlighted the enduring contributions of veterans to the state’s safety, economy and civic life.
The NCCU day‑long celebration also featured a more‑than‑two‑mile walk‑run and a care‑kit building station for veterans experiencing homelessness, underscoring the community’s commitment to supporting those who have served.
Additional local observances
Other towns and cities hosted their own tributes:
- Cary: Veterans Freedom Park welcomed attendees for a ceremony with guest speakers and patriotic music performed by the Old North State Brass Band.
- Zebulon: A 10 a.m. ceremony at Town Hall honored veterans and recognized the sacrifices of their families.
- Raleigh – John Chavis Memorial Park: A brunch for veterans offered light refreshments, resource connections and a chance to honor the community’s veterans.
- Rolesville: The Rolesville Veterans Group, together with the Community Gardeners of Rolesville and the Joel Fund, hosted a ceremony at Town Hall.
- Apex: Members of public safety and the Town Council gathered at the downtown service memorial for a reflective ceremony.
- Garner: A free observance at Aversboro Road Baptist Church featured music, a keynote address and a program to honor brave service members.
These events, ranging from formal inductions to community walks, illustrate the deep respect and gratitude that North Carolinians hold for their veterans. By involving students, local officials and volunteers, the day’s activities reinforced the shared values of service, family and faith that bind the region together.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
