On Wednesday, the Outer Banks community came together for Veterans Day ceremonies in Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, honoring men and women who have served the United States from World War II to today’s conflicts. Dozens of local citizens filled the beachside venues, showing gratitude for the freedoms protected by these veterans.
Personal reflections from veterans
“Veterans Day means to me, honoring everyone who has served. My grandfather served in World War II, and I kind of followed in his footsteps to join the military and serve my country,” said Brendan Cameron, a Navy veteran, after the Nags Head ceremony.
Army veteran Edwin Liebig echoed the sentiment, adding, “Veterans Day means a lot to me because my dad was in the Navy in World War II. I didn’t get to meet him until I was five years old.” Both men described the day as “special” and expressed appreciation for the community’s support.
Family ties and community service
Dare County Veterans Service Officer Patricia O’Sullivan, whose family includes a Marine father, a Marine brother, a Marine nephew, a Navy husband, an Air Force nephew and an Army son, spoke about the deep personal connection many residents have to the armed forces. “My father was a Marine, my brother was a Marine, his son was a Marine, my husband was Navy, my nephew was Air Force, and my son was Army. Veterans are very special to me,” she said.
O’Sullivan highlighted the importance of local resources, noting that the county and veteran organizations provide a range of services to support those who have served. “Our veterans signed up and they put their lives on the line to defend us. I feel the least I can do is try to help them as best as I can. This community values its veterans, and we honor them all the time,” she added.
Encouraging peer support
Cameron stressed the value of checking in on fellow veterans, saying, “Veterans should check on other veterans or people who are close to them check on them as well, because you never know what they’re going through at that time. Every day is different.” His remarks underscored the ongoing need for mutual care within the veteran community.
Looking ahead
The ceremonies served not only as a tribute but also as a reminder of the resources available to veterans throughout the Outer Banks. Local officials and nonprofit groups continue to collaborate with the Dare County Veterans Service Office to expand outreach, counseling, and employment assistance for service members and their families.
As the sun set over the Atlantic, the gathered crowd reflected on the sacrifices made by generations of service members and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to honoring and supporting those who have defended the nation’s freedoms.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
