Events across Burke and Caldwell counties honoring military veterans

BURKE COUNTY

INSPIRING PERFORMANCE

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, the CoMMA in Morganton will host a special ticketed performance benefiting Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter No. 43.

“11 Days: The Story of Operation Pineapple Express” is a powerful theatrical production telling the extraordinary true story of a volunteer-led rescue mission during the final days of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Following the performance, attendees are invited to participate in a special conversation with Scott Mann and the production team.

Tickets are available through the CoMMA box office or on its website. As Veterans Day approaches, this performance offers an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served, recognize the challenges many continue to face, and show support for our veteran community.

Content advisory: This performance includes references to war, trauma, loss, strong language, and emotionally intense subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised. Support resources will be available for attendees who may need them.

OFFICIAL BURKE COUNTY RECOGNITION EVENT

The featured speaker is retired Lt. Col. Scott Mann, a former U.S. Army Green Beret. Mann served 23 years in the Army, including 18 years as a Green Beret, and later became an author, speaker, and playwright. Mann is the author of “Operation Pineapple Express.”

His presentation will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Foothills Higher Education Center, 2128 S. Sterling St., Morganton. The program is free and open to the public. Lunch will be served afterward.

HIGH PRICE OF VICTORY

Marquee Cinemas in downtown Morganton will host a special Veterans Day screening of “The High Price of Victory” at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. The feature-length documentary tells the stories of World War II veterans in their own words, using firsthand accounts and archival footage to explore the sacrifices and human cost of the war.

CROCKPOT MEAL

American Legion Post 234 in Valdese will host a Veterans Day Crockpot Meal at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the post, 709 Church St. NW. The gathering is part of local Veterans Day observances honoring those who have served in the U.S. military.

CALDWELL COUNTYGRANITE FALLS CELEBRATION

The Town of Granite Falls will hold its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the gymnasium at Shuford Recreation Center, 56 Pinewood Road. Refreshments will be served beginning at 9 a.m. The program will include patriotic music, a presentation of colors, remarks from local veterans, the reading of the names of Granite Falls residents who died in military service, and the placement of a wreath at the town’s Veterans Monument.

This year’s ceremony will also recognize four new names added to the Veterans Monument, bringing the total number honored there to 649. The event is open to the public.

VETERANS LUNCH

Two Lenoir churches will host Veterans Day lunches in November. First United Methodist Church of Lenoir, 309 Church St. NW, will serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. College Avenue Baptist Church, 1201 College Ave. SW, will hold a Veterans Day luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, to honor veterans and thank them for their military service.

VETERANS APPRECIATION DINNER

The Lenoir Moose Lodge will host a Veterans Dinner from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Lenoir Moose Lodge, 1100 Moose Lodge Road in Lenoir.

VETERANS APPRECIATION BREAKFAST

Caldwell County Public Library will host a Veterans Appreciation Breakfast at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the library, 120 Hospital Lane in Lenoir. The event is part of a series of local gatherings recognizing and honoring military veterans.