Monday is Memorial Day, which is when retired Col. Elizabeth Goolsby, Ann Provencher, Grilley Mitchell, Paul Monroe, Don Talbot, the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Co., and the 82nd Airborne Division Band will pay homage to all who served in military uniform and gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The solemn remembrance is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Freedom Memorial Park in downtown Fayetteville. The event will include the unveiling of another monument in memory of often forgotten service men and women, who died beyond the fields of battle. Other participants will include the Cardinal Gibbons Assembly of the Knights of Columbus; the Sergeants Major Association; the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association; the Cape Fear Chapter, Military Officers Association of America; the Chapter 2226 Military Order of the Purple Heart; Rolling Thunder North Carolina Chapter One; and the Cumberland County Veterans Council.
Military veterans have a staunch supporter in Gov. Josh Stein. “As long as I am governor, my administration will take a whole-of-government approach to supporting veterans,” Stein said in a news release. “Because when veterans succeed, we all succeed. I will continue to fight for veteran health care, housing and economic opportunity, so that North Carolina is the most military-friendly state in the country. As our nation celebrates its 250th year in 2026, we honor all those who have served throughout our history. We remember with deep gratitude those who have given their lives in defense of our freedom. During Memorial Day weekend, we honor those who paid the ultimate price in that service. Let us honor their legacy by preserving their memories, celebrating their bravery and nurturing our democracy they died defending.” Well said, Gov. Stein. Well said.
D.J. Haire is the dean of the Fayetteville City Council, and Haire said he isn’t comfortable with City Manager Doug Hewett’s proposed $322 million budget for fiscal year 2027, which includes a 3-cent property tax hike. “This budget is built on a simple but powerful commitment: delivering quality, sustainable public services that allow our communities to thrive and our businesses to grow,” Hewett said in a news release. “It ensures we continue providing the services our residents rely on, while remaining fiscally responsible and advancing City Council priorities. We recognize that national and global events can shape our local community in ways we don’t always anticipate. That is precisely why careful planning and strong leadership matter more than ever.”
But Haire said he is looking out for residents struggling with everyday costs, such as groceries, fuel, and rising supplemental health care costs, too. Residents, Haire said, are “hurting.” City residents will have an opportunity to tell Mayor Mitch Colvin, councilmembers and the city manager what they think at a public hearing scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.
Renee Lane, executive director of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation, was recognized on Monday by the Cumberland Board of County Commissioners for her work in support of military soldiers and families on Fort Bragg. Lane also has served as a past director of the Sandhills Area of the USO of North Carolina and served the BRAC Regional Task Force and the N.C. Military Business Center. Commissioners could not have honored a more dedicated individual than Renee Lane. Today is Lane’s final day with the ASOM Foundation.
Bob Pinson, the outgoing president and chief executive officer of the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County, is a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. “This recognition is deeply meaningful,” Pinson said in a news release after receiving the award on Monday. The award was presented by state Rep. Diane Wheatley and Kirk deViere, chair of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. The award was given on behalf of Gov. Josh Stein. Pinson has spent 15 years with the Arts Council, which includes the past six as CEO. “I’m incredibly grateful to have served alongside dedicated artists, nonprofit leaders, educators, elected officials, board members, staff and community partners who believe in the power of the arts to strengthen our community,” he said. Pinson leaves the Arts Council on June 30.
It took Old Man Winter some additional time to leave us, but it looks as if summer finally is here with some hot days heading our way.
“Always enjoy your columns and articles in CityView, especially your recent piece about Judy Dawkins,” Janet Gibson wrote about the May 3 column. “She is truly a local treasure. And inspiration. Thank you so much for shining a spotlight on Fayetteville’s ‘Energizer Bunny’ at 85 years young. So well-earned.” You are right, Miss Gibson, Judy Dawkins is something else, and with energy to spare.
Buckle that vehicle seatbelt. That’s the advice from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s annual Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which is underway through May 31. “Wearing a seatbelt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in a crash,” GHSP Director Mark Ezzell said in a news release. “Taking just a few seconds to buckle up can save your life and the lives of others in your vehicle.” The Memorial Day holiday is one of the busiest times of the year, the release said, and law enforcement will be working to keep you safe. Buckle those child safety belts, too.
Coming Sunday: Remembering the life of a Triple Nickles soldier.
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
We’re nearing our fourth year of CityView Today, and so many of you have been with us from day one in our efforts to bring the news of the city, county, community and Cape Fear region each day. We’re here with a purpose to deliver the news that matters to you.
