Union County has always shown great appreciation for veterans, and Nov. 11, Veterans Day, will once again feature two main events to celebrate America’s heroes locally.
The Union County School District will hold its annual public observance starting with a free breakfast for veterans and their spouses hosted by the Beta Club at the High School Cafeteria from 8-9:45 a.m.
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Afterwards, shuttle rides will take breakfast attendees up to the Fine Arts Center for the student-led Veterans Day Celebration, due to start at 10 a.m. Veterans and other residents are encouraged to attend, with parking for the general public available next to the Fine Arts Center.
Veterans will be seated with the help of Future Farmers of America ushers.
True to tradition, the ceremony promises to promote patriotism and honor the sacrifices given by the brave souls who chose to serve their country.
“The students and staff of the Union County School District work hard each year to provide a meaningful performance,” School Safety Director Art McCann said. “This year’s ceremony will feature the High School Chorus, led by Alicia Covington; the Middle School Chorus, led by Melissa Pilote; and the High School Band, led by Will Stafford.
“Middle, Elementary and Primary School students, along with students from Woody Gap School, will present Veterans with letters of appreciation for their service to our country.
“Our student speaker will be Union County High School Junior Ella Akins, with Union County High School Junior Ragan McCarter assisting in the ceremony.
“Woody Gap Senior Lilli-May Dempsey and Woody Gap Sophomore Micheal Dempsey, along with Union County High School Senior Ava Lloyd, will lead the Quilt of Valor ceremony, awarding deserving Veterans with quilts sewn by the ladies of the Misty Mountain Quilters.
“The American Legion Ira Weaver Post 121 will participate in this year’s ceremony, along with students representing the 152nd Civil Air Patrol.
“Our Veterans deserve the recognition, and our School District takes pride in presenting this great event.”
People with questions about the 2025 ceremony are asked to contact McCann at 706-745-2216, ext. 1112, or by email at amccann@ucschools.org.
Following the school ceremony, at 11:30 a.m., the Rotary Club of Union County will be hosting its annual Veterans Day Luncheon at the Young Harris College Conference Center. Catering usually takes care of 200 guests, and though free, attendees should have their tickets ready at the door.
There will be reserved handicapped parking near the building, but parking is available across campus; those who find spaces farther away can get closer with a golf cart shuttle. Any veterans or their spouses interested in taking part should call or text Luncheon Chair Steve Cavanaugh at 404-307-1987.
“We typically are in receive mode in this great community for Veterans Day. It’s nice,” said American Legion Post #121 Vice Cmdr. Kathy Merritt.
That said, anyone interested in supporting veterans’ causes should keep an eye out for the Nov. 15 flag retirement ceremony at the Ira Weaver American Legion Post #121 located at 78 Blue Ridge Hwy at the entrance of Blairsville on the hill above the park and ride.
Alternatively, donate money as well as time to the annual Dec. 13 Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Fine Arts Center. Purchase a wreath to place over the grave of a departed veteran or their spouse and join volunteers as they decorate the final resting places of the fallen.
