Local veterans celebrate move
Harrison Keely, Sentinel Writer

"God bless the USA!" read the front of the program at the opening ceremony for the new Murphy Veterans Building. It became increasingly evident through the events that ensued that God has done exactly that through the veterans who have served America in many ways and many wars throughout the years.

The new building's opening was celebrated May 19 at 1 p.m. off of NC#141 near Peachtree, N.C. A large crowd gathered for the events, which opened with Master of Ceremonies Oscar Valdes.

Following a prayer by Chaplain Lee Chastain, the Thomas Wilkins, 1st Battalion, Company H 1862-1865 Civil War Murphy NC Unit shot off cannons and rifles into the midday sky with explosions heard throughout the area.

NC Senator John Snow arrived and delivered updated news to the crowd. "I've got some good news..." he said. "There's going to be a nursing home in western North Carolina [just for veterans]. At this point in time we have two places that are vying for placement of that nursing home. One is Sylva, North Carolina up near the university, the other one is in Asheville, near the veteran's hospital."

Snow asked those present to tell any "friends in high places in the veteran's association" that the community would like the new home to be closer to Murphy. "Maybe in Sylva rather than Asheville," he said.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by VFW 10222 Commander Vincent Grobbel, Post 96 American Legion Commander George LeDuc, Chapter 73 DAV Commander James Barlow and VFW Ladies Auxiliary President Effie Riddler.

Oscar Summers, a former VFW commander, was recognized for his presence at the ceremony.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new facility was led by the commanders and the VFW Auxiliary president. Those in attendance were then treated to a tour of the building, which includes a kitchen and community area.

The guest speaker for the event was Staff Sergeant Michael Johnson of Alpha Company 391 Engineering Battalion. Johnson, aided by PowerPoint presentation, spoke about his duty in Afghanistan last year. He spoke on both the culture of the nation and also on the military technology being incorporated in combat. Afterwards Commander Grobbel presented a one year membership to Johnson. Also, George LeDuc presented veteran James D. Yonce a certificate of continuing membership for his "faithful and dedicated allegiance to the ideals of the American legion. Yonce has served as a member for 50 years already.

Hot dogs and soft drinks were served immediately after the program. Raffle tickets were also sold at the event. Crediting Robert Hampton for getting the "ball rolling" on the new building, a commander reminded attendees that the home for the veterans was once in downtown Murphy and that the project would not have been possible without the older veterans.

To comment on this article e-mail Harrison at hkeely@gmail.com.

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