Seems like everywhere you looked there was a proud veteran somewhere.
Some were in civilian clothing.
Others dusted off their old uniforms for this Blue Star Memorial Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday at North Carolina Veterans Park, adjacent to the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum downtown.
It takes a veteran to know a veteran.
“I am honored to be a veteran,” Kirk deViere, chair of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, told the crowd of more than 100 people. “I look around Cumberland County, and there’s no better place to honor our veterans.”
DeViere served in the U.S. Army from 1989-2000.
His words were not lost on Shaun McMillan, who is a first term Fayetteville City councilmember.
Remember, it takes a veteran to know a veteran.
“We are the largest military installation in the world by population,” McMillan said about Fort Bragg. “We honor every veteran. Today, thank you to the veterans. The ones we lost, we remember you. To those who came home and keep serving, we thank you.”
McMillan served in the Army from 1999-2016, which included three deployments to Afghanistan, before retiring as a major.
Presented by the Cross Creek-Briarwood Garden Club, the ceremony included the presentation of colors and the Pledge of Allegiance by the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry, a “Toast to the Flag” and the national anthem by Paul Monroe, Giles Blankenship singing “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless the USA,” and “Amazing Grace” by bagpiper Doug Elwell. Rev. Tim Jackson, an associate pastor at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, and Rev. Fredrick Culbreth, pastor of nearby First Baptist Church on Moore Street, offered prayers of gratefulness for veterans.
‘The Call To Serve’
Originally known as Armistice Day first celebrated on November 11, 1919, commemorating the end of World War I, it later became Veterans Day in 1954 in honor and remembrance of all branches of military service.
Retired Army Col. Edna Cummings can tell you all about how sacred and dear we hold our military veterans.
Again, it takes a veteran to know a veteran.
A Fayetteville native, Cummings grew up in Eccles Park, attended E.E. Smith High School and graduated in 1974 from Reid Ross High School. Her father was an Army veteran who served in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. Cummings followed in her father’s military footsteps, graduating in 1978 as the first Black woman from Appalachian State University’s Army Reserve Officer’ Training Corps program. She retired after 25 years of military service.
“Veterans Day is a time to recognize all who have served our nation with honor and distinction,” said Cummings, 70, who was guest speaker for the ceremony. “This year, we celebrated America’s 250-year Anniversary—251 for the Army. For the past 251 years, military personnel, families, and civilians have dedicated themselves to defend this nation.
“We are now veterans, but throughout history, we answered the call to serve. Our family, friends and community supported those of us because we believe in this great country, and we believe in freedom.
“As we observe Veterans Day, we reflect on our rich history and legacy of service, sacrifice and dedication,” said Cummings, who resides in Laurel, Maryland. “From the Revolutionary War to world wars, from Vietnam to the Global War on Terror and present-day missions, our servicemembers have consistently demonstrated their resolve to defend freedom at home and abroad. Our veterans reflect this honorable service.”
Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier
Beyond Cummings’ active duty, she was a leading voice in legislation that awarded the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a predominantly Black multi-ethnic battalion of the Women’s Army Corps, with a Congressional Gold Medal. Cummings in 2019 co-produced the documentary TheSixTripleEight: No Mail, Low Morale. And in 2025, Cummings was author of A Soldier’s Life: A Black Woman’s Rise from Army Brat to Six Triple Eight Champion.
Wednesday was about veterans who raised their right hand and swore to serve with honor, valor and distinction.
“When a veteran talks about their time in uniform, it connects Americans with the value of service and inspires the next generation to serve their country and communities,” Cummings said. “Within the community, veterans are bridge-builders. Our nation’s veterans throughout our history have kept us free, returned home and continued to serve our nation in a multitude of ways.
“Today, we thank all of them.
“Veterans have shaped history and help secure our nation and protect our freedoms,” she said. “Veterans Day also means that we have experienced the void left by fallen comrades, and the sound of TAPs reminds me to be grateful.”
Epilogue
Cummings left us with a final reminder: Every veteran has a story to tell.
“Every veteran’s story is a piece of military history,” she said. “I encourage veterans to share your story as the opportunities arise. And to my fellow veterans, families and community supporters, I sincerely appreciate all of you, and more importantly, for taking care of my community here in Fayetteville. Take care of yourself and others.”
And, if you will, just a final thought.
While we celebrate Veterans Day each November 11, the truth of it is, Veterans Days is every day in this community and wherever military veterans call home.
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
