AmVets Post #1111, Lenoir Emergency Services, and the Green Lamp Community Action will host the 22nd annual commemoration of 9/11 in Kinston. The event will take place at 210 W. Gordon Street in Pearson Park, September 11, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. This ceremony will not only pay tribute to those who died that day, but will honor our first responders, military, and veterans who serve our community daily.

In the event of inclement weather, the memorial service will be held at Kinston Fire Station 1, 400 E. Vernon Ave. across from Grainger Stadium. AmVets will contact local media in the event of a change. This year a second, private ceremony at the Veteran’s Home on Hull Rd for will be held for veterans who would be unable to attend the normal service. That ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m.

The monument was dedicated in 2006 and designed by SALUTE president Eric Cantu. It contains a flag pole in the center, with a brick floor in the shape of a pentagon. Many of the bricks contained in the floor display the names of Kinston first responders who served or gave their lives in the service of the city. Visitors may view the monument year-round from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. when the park is open.

AmVets was commissioned in 1944 through an act of Congress. It is considered to be the most inclusive veterans’ organization in the country. The mission of AmVets is simple: to serve veterans, their families, and the community at large. With a membership of 250,000 members, this organization has brought jobs, assistance, and services to veterans and their communities. They provide help at support at both the local and national level with VA claims, healthcare, job career centers.

Veterans Events Around Town

Legion Post 43 hosts open house

American Legion Post #43 is hosting an open house on Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 1-4 p.m. It is open to the public, and vendors from both the local and veterans’ communities are invited to come and set up a free table to sell their food and wares.

The post is located at 300 North McLeweanStreet in Kinston, on the corner of North and McLewean. For more information, contact ENCECA.1@gmail.com.

Missing Man Table Ceremony to take place in Raleigh

One the first Saturday of every month, there is a missing man table ceremony in Raleigh. The purpose of the ceremony is to remember those who are prisoners of war or were declared missing in action during wartime. The event is hosted by North Carolina Vietnam Veterans, Incorporated (NCVVI) and takes place at noon on the State Capitol grounds. Currently, North Carolina has 32 missing from the Vietnam War.

The "Missing Man Table" displayed at the 2nd annual 50th anniversary of Vietnam Veterans return from war commemoration ceremony at the Ft. Roots VA Medical Center in North Little Rock, Ark., on March 28.

The white tablecloth draped over the table represents the purity of their response to our country’s call to arms.

The empty chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine, but all who are not here with us.

The table itself is round to show that our concern for them is never ending.

The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one nation under God.

The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends. A Purple Heart medal can be pinned to the napkin.

The single red rose reminds us of their families and loved ones. The red ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call.

The yellow candle and its yellow ribbon symbolize the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those yet accounted for.

The slices of lemon on the bread plate remind us of their bitter fate.

The salt upon the bread plate represents the tears of their families.

The wine glass, turned upside down, reminds us that our distinguished comrades cannot be with us to drink a toast or join in the festivities of the evening.