Memorial Day observances held throughout ENC

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — From Greenville to Jacksonville, New Bern, Kinston, Washington and all points in between, cities and towns in Eastern North Carolina observed Memorial Day in different ways.

Nine On Your Side was at some of these events and has more on that and other related events.

Greenville, Erin Jenkins

It’s estimated more than 1 million Americans have lost their lives while serving our country. More than 86,000 of those are still prisoners of war or missing in action. The ceremony honored those brave men and women.

It wasn’t just veterans honoring those, It was also the younger generation. The Ayden-Grifton High School JROTC program showed the proper way to fold a flag. The Boy Scouts presented on how to retire a flag.

Event organizers say they like to include them because these groups are learning at a young age. Today is more than just a day out of school or a day at the beach. It has a deeper meaning.

“Just remembering those who fought for our freedom. Freedom isn’t free. And just remember those,” said Eagle Scout Joshua Ferrell.

“I feel that if we can get the younger generation involved in this, then they’ll be more patriotic about their freedom. And they might go into the military themselves,” Life Scout and Troop Guide Freddie Money said.

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New Bern, Sarah Gray Barr

The community comes out every year to remember those who died while serving our country.

In fact, a servicemember was recently laid to rest after being missing for 80 years. Last week, Staff Sgt. Robert L. Ferris was laid to rest in New Bern National Cemetery.

“It was very special,” said Veterans Council of Craven County Chairman Mark Sandvigen. “As luck would have it, a tree died and they had to take the tree out and it provided a space for him here in a cemetery that’s been closed since 1996.”

Dr. Carrie Brown with the Defense POW-MIA Accounting Agency said her agency identifies service members and helps bring closure to families of fallen heroes.

“Staff Sgt. Ferris was actually lost 80 years ago in France during World War II,” Brown said. “It’s just an unbelievable and remarkable event to be able to be here and see him again because he was at our lab in Nebraska.”

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Jacksonville observance photos, City of Jacksonville

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Washington observance, City of Washington

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PACT ACT and veterans, Erin Jenkins

As we honor those who gave their lives for our country, veterans who are still living now better have access to healthcare benefits.

Just last week President Joe Biden announced they hit 1 million claims processed for the PACT Act. Veterans who came home with injuries are now able to get the care they need from VA hospitals

Jason Cain is a veteran who was deployed five times to Iraq and Afghanistan. He said these new benefits from the Biden Administration are life-changing for thousands of veterans.

“On Memorial Day, we want to stay focused on those that made the ultimate sacrifice, but those that are still here, those that made it home, we need to make sure that they don’t end up on an in memory plaque as well,” Cain said. “We want to keep them here as long as we possibly can. We know our nation supports those veterans and those that served.”

Mental health awareness on Memorial Day, Sarah Gray Barr

While many were enjoying Memorial Day, ECU Health officials say it’s important to remember people who are grieving their loved ones.

This is a holiday focused on loss. Officials said to be mindful and lend a listening ear along with a safe space to grieve.

“Those families and loved ones may have a hard time,” said Glenn Simpson, ECU Health Systems Service Life Administrator for Behavioral Health. “Being able to memorialize if you will, be mindful, be able to remember, think of some of the good times, some of the good things. For veterans that have since died, it’s the same process.”

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