‘A Tribute to Veterans’ still on schedule

  • This patriotic float was on display during the 2019 Veterans Day Parade in downtown Murphy. The parade will move to Andrews this year if plans hold.
    This patriotic float was on display during the 2019 Veterans Day Parade in downtown Murphy. The parade will move to Andrews this year if plans hold.

        Andrews – There’s still one major event that hasn’t been canceled due to the coronavirus, and organizers are staying optimistic the event will go on.
        “Welcome Home – A Tribute to Veterans” is scheduled to take place Saturday, Oct. 31. The event will include participation from Cherokee, Clay and Graham county veteran service organizations.
        “We anticipate it getting better,” event coordinator John Bandy said in reference to situations involving the virus. “We’re all optimistic.”
        He said he lives by the idea of “live in hope, less you die in despair.”
        One organizer – Connie Orr, veteran advocate volunteer for Graham County and county commissioner – said the reason for the event is why they have to have hope the event will happen.
        “The veterans are worth our respect and attention,” she said.
        Organizers will continue making plans for the event, but will re-evaluate coronavirus conditions and restrictions at the next Welcome Home meeting set for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Western Carolina Regional Airport. North Carolina is under Phase 2 restrictions, which limits mass gatherings to 25 people outdoors, for another five weeks after Gov. Roy Cooper’s announcement on Aug. 5.
        The plans include a parade through downtown Andrew, activities and a veteran stand-down at the airport. Competitions include a patriotic parade float contest and chili cook-off.
        Airport Manager Gayland Trull informed the group that a Georgia vintage aircraft business has promised to bring 8-10 vintage aircrafts to have on display, perform a mini-airshow and have jumpers with an American flag.
        Organizers agreed to do what they can to keep everyone – especially the oldest living veterans, who will be the grand marshals of the parade – safe.