Last updated on November 29, 2020
Residents across Macon County were understandably upset to learn that the annual Veterans Day parade and program were the latest casualty of COVID19. At the request of the organizations who organize the event, the town of Franklin voted to cancel the events during Monday night’s meeting out of concern for the health and safety of the county’s veterans.
Governor Roy Cooper, who was just elected to a second term, currently has an executive order in place that prohibits mass gatherings of more than 50 people outdoors — a number the annual veteran’s day parade would certainly exceed.
To adhere to mass gathering requirements, as well as understanding the liability of being the event sponsor, the town and veterans group who host the event each year, decided to forgo this year’s event.
While the annual town-sponsored parade up Main Street is canceled, organizations in Macon County are stepping up to ensure that local veterans know that they are appreciated, not just on Veteran’s Day, but all year long.
The Special Liberty Project and the local Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 994 are teaming up for a Veterans Day Celebration like no other. On Wednesday, November 11 from 11 am to 12 pm, tune in on 1050 am or 104.9 fm radio stations for a special celebration.
The ceremony will begin over the airwaves promptly at 11 am with a colors presentation and 21-gun salute.
The Special Liberty Project recently re-located to the Holly Springs area of Macon County. Founders of the organization, Cory and Jessica Merritt, first established the nonprofit four years ago in San Diego, Calif., where they were stationed for 20 years. Cory, a U.S. Navy Senior Chief involved in search and rescue, grew up enjoying outdoor pursuits like hunting, while Jessica has always had a love of nature and a passion for understanding food origins and sustainable living.
Anyone interested in volunteering at Special Liberty Project can fill out the website form or email jessica@speciallibertyproject.org.
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