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Free luncheon, March for the 22 honors set to honor nearly 20,000 veterans in Craven County

Sun Journal - 11/7/2021

Nov. 7—Craven County has about 20,000 residents who are veterans. Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed on Nov. 11 to honors those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Several events have been planned in their honor.

One of those events is to bring awareness to the growing rate of suicides among veterans as well as to raise funds to help veterans in need.

The second annual March for the 22 will be held on Nov. 11 with more than 120 marchers scheduled to participate.

The first march was started in 2020 by Adin Colon and Liz Hartman, who are both veterans.

Colon said he started the event in an effort to bring awareness to the community of the veterans that are committing suicide everyday.

"It's not just to bring awareness, but to also raise funds for programs specifically for veterans in our area that can be impactful," Colon said.

Colon served in the U.S. Army and is a Bronze Star recipient, joining shortly after Sept. 11. After serving 12 years, he was medically retired in 2013 as a Sgt. First Class.

Some participants will walk 22 miles carrying 22 pounds to raise funds for programming that combats veteran suicide rates.

Colon said that several people wanted to participate, but could not walk the full 22 miles, so he incorporated at 22 kilometer and a 2 kilometer route as well.

"The 22 pounds signifies the constant burden that our veterans, especially those who suffer from PTSD, carrying on their shoulders and backs everyday," Colon said. "At the end of the day when everyone else gets to take that 22 pounds off, a lot of our veterans go to bed with that on their backs and tapered on their minds as well."

The 22 mile hikers will meet at Piggly Wiggly in Maysville. Registration begins at 4:15 a.m. and the march starts at 4:45 a.m. The 22 kilometer hikers will meet at Bender Signs in Pollocksville at 8:15 a.m. and walk starts at 8:45 a.m. and 2 kilometer hikers will meet at Freshwater Beer Co. in New Bern at 4:30 p.m. and will begin their walk at 5:30 p.m.

Hikers are estimated to arrive at Union Point Park at 6:30 p.m. There will be a closing ceremony followed by fellowship. Various veteran service organizations will be present and swag bags will be provided by local businesses. Food trucks will also be onsite provided by Captain Ratty's and veteran-owned SOB BBQ.

To register, visit marchforthe22.us

The Craven County Veterans' Council will host its annual Veterans Day Lunch on Nov. 11 at Temple Baptist Church located at 1500 Kingdom Way, New Bern.

This free lunch is for all veterans, spouses and primary caregivers. The purpose of the luncheon is to honor the service and sacrifice of living veterans which includes the nearly 20,000 veterans of Craven County.

The program will commence at 11 a.m. with patriotic music, followed by the presentation of the Colors by Marine CorpsLeague Cherry Point Det. #1067, the Pledge of Allegiance, singing of the National Anthem by Sam Lewis, and Veterans Day Prayer by the Rev. Pennington.

The lunch menu is Carolina style barbecue, with sides, cake, and refreshments.

The program will conclude with the presentation of this year's Veteran of the Year and Veteran Lifetime Achievement Award, remarks by Gary Gillette, chairman, Craven County Veterans' Council, and closing prayer.

Please bring proof of service such as a North Carolina Driver's License with veteran notation, DD-214, VA Medical Card, or membership card to a Craven County veteran organization. Veterans with mobility needs will be assisted by the Craven County Hospice and Richard Dobbs Spaight NSDAR Volunteers.

There are no COVID restrictions, personal protection equipment is at the discretion of veterans and guest. Lunch will conclude at 1: pm.

For more information email cravencountyveterscouncil@gmail.com.

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