By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – This November, the community of Pittsboro will come together to honor both living and deceased veterans with a unique initiative: a display of commemorative crosses adorned with the U.S. flag. The event, spearheaded by local veterans and community members, will take place from November 1 to November 15, showcasing the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces.
A Vision Inspired in Florida
The idea for this tribute originated from a trip taken by local residents Libby and Francis Wilson to Florida last November. During their visit, they were struck by a similar display in a town they passed through, featuring crosses that honored local veterans. Upon returning to Pittsboro, they felt compelled to replicate this meaningful project in their own community. “We need to do that in Pittsboro,” Libby remarked, igniting a conversation that would lead to the formation of the Chatham Veterans Memorial project.
Purpose and Scope of the Project
The primary goal of the project is to honor veterans from all branches of the military, both those who are living and those who have passed. The display will feature crosses that include the name of the veteran, their military branch, and a U.S. flag. The organizers plan to place the crosses along a designated sidewalk area in Pittsboro, allowing residents and visitors to walk by and pay their respects safely.
As of September 11, 44 crosses have been ordered, with plans to continue accepting orders until September 30. Each cross costs $100, which not only covers the expenses of the project but also contributes to local veteran support organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
How to Participate
Community members interested in sponsoring a cross can do so through several avenues. Orders can be placed online via the Chatham Veterans Memorial website or their Facebook page, or by sending an email to chathamveteransmemorial@gmail.com. Additionally, a QR code will be available for those who prefer to make payments electronically.
The organizers encourage anyone who wishes to honor a veteran, whether it be a family member, friend, or community figure, to participate in this initiative. For those who may not have a specific veteran in mind, donations can be made to sponsor a cross in honor of all veterans.
Volunteer Opportunities
The project is not just about ordering crosses; it also seeks to engage the community in a hands-on way. Volunteers are needed to help with the setup and placement of the crosses. Interested individuals can reach out via email to offer their assistance. The organizers hope to create a sense of community involvement and pride in honoring the sacrifices made by veterans.
An Annual Tradition
This year marks the inaugural event for the Chatham Veterans Memorial project, but the organizers have ambitious plans for the future. They envision this as an annual tradition that will grow over time, incorporating additional ways to honor veterans that resonate with various faiths and beliefs. The goal is to foster a broader understanding and appreciation of the contributions made by all veterans.
Community Impact and Support
The initiative has already garnered significant interest and support from the local community. The leaders of the project, including Mike Jackson, CP Stewart, Francis Wilson and Lydia Karstaedt, emphasize the importance of recognizing and honoring veterans, stating, “We don’t honor our veterans as as much as we should. And I think this is a good way to to honor all veterans for what they have done for our country.”
The project not only aims to honor veterans but also to raise awareness about the ongoing needs of veterans in the community. Funds raised through the sale of crosses will support local veterans’ services, including assistance with claims and transportation to medical appointments.
A Call to Action
The Chatham Veterans Memorial project represents a heartfelt effort to honor those who have served in the military. With the display of crosses set to take place from November 1 to November 15, the community is encouraged to participate by sponsoring a cross, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about this meaningful initiative.
As the organizers prepare for this inaugural event, they invite everyone in Pittsboro and the surrounding areas to join in the effort to honor veterans. Whether through financial support, volunteering, or simply sharing the message, every action contributes to a greater recognition of the sacrifices made by these brave individuals.
For more information on how to participate, visit the Chatham Veterans Memorial website or reach out via email.
Watch on YouTube Sponsor a cross topped with a U.S. flag to honor a local veteran Nov. 1-15
Honor Local Veterans: Sponsor a Cross Display with U.S. Flags in Pittsboro from November 1-15.
00:19 Honor local veterans by sponsoring a cross topped with a U.S. flag.
- The initiative takes inspiration from a Florida trip, where they saw similar tributes.
- Community members are coming together to create a symbol of respect for local veterans.
01:38 Honoring veterans with crosses displayed from November 1-15.
- The crosses will honor both living and deceased veterans, featuring their names and military branches.
- Displays will be set up along a safe sidewalk area to allow public viewing during the two-week period.
03:12 Order crosses online to honor veterans from Nov. 1-15.
- Visit the Chatham Veterans Memorial Facebook page or website to place orders for crosses.
- Each cross costs $100, supporting expenses and local veteran organizations, including VFW and DAV.
04:43 Support veterans by sponsoring a cross with the U.S. flag.
- Funds from the cross sponsorship help veterans with claims and transportation to VA appointments.
- Volunteers are needed for placing crosses, and interested individuals can contact via email.
05:50 Annual event to honor veterans with crosses and future diverse options.
- This year introduces a cross honoring veterans, with plans for additional honoring methods in future.
- Feedback from the community will shape the event’s evolution, increasing its impact and outreach.
06:58 Order and payment details for sponsoring a cross honoring a veteran.
- The deadline for ordering and payment is September 30th; payments can be made via PayPal or check.
- Donors can sponsor a cross without needing a specific name, allowing for general donations to honor veterans.
08:18 Community initiative to honor veterans through sponsorships from Nov. 1-15.
- Orders for sponsoring flags are accepted until September 30, aiming to honor both living and deceased veterans.
- The effort has been spearheaded by a dedicated group, showcasing the impact of community involvement in supporting veterans.
09:34 Sponsor a veteran cross with a U.S. flag for Veterans Day.
- A one-time fee allows for annual display of the sponsored cross at the BFW.
- This initiative encourages civilians to recognize and honor veterans’ contributions to the country.