Here are 5 ways to honor veterans in York County from a bridge dedication to a parade
There are several ways to honor U.S. military veterans in the York County area this Veterans Day, and over the weekend.
The federal holiday honors American veterans for their service and sacrifice. Area events range from ceremonies and donations drives in Rock Hill, Fort Mill and York to a parade and donation drive.
York County has about 28,000 veterans, The Herald previously reported.
Here are five ways to honor veterans in York County:
1. Charlotte Avenue Bridge Event
At 9 a.m. Thursday, the Charlotte Avenue bridge, which crosses Dave Lyle Blvd. in Rock Hill, will be designated as the Purple Heart Bridge. Rock Hill was deemed a Purple Heart City in September, meaning the city recognizes and honors residents who have received the Purple Heart, awarded by the president to military members wounded or killed while serving.
The bridge will be closed during the dedication.
Parking nearby is available at Cedar Crest Park at 720 Wilson St. or Glencairn Garden at 725 Crest St.
2. Tribute to Veterans Ceremony
At 10 a.m. Thursday, the city’s annual Tribute to Veterans Ceremony is at Glencairn Gardens at the Veteran’s Garden. The garden displays flags memorializing fallen soldiers and veterans who have since passed.
Mayor John Gettys will make remarks at the Veterans Wall inside the garden.
3. Gathering at Fort Mill Veterans Memorial
At 10 a.m. Thursday, the town of Fort Mill will honor veterans with a ceremony at the Fort Mill Veterans Memorial at 106 N. White St.
Veterans and their families can receive free coffee from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Fort Mill Mayor Gunn Savage will start the event at 10 a.m. followed by a presentations and performances by Fort Mill High School Marine Corp, JROTC performance of the national anthem sung by sixth grader Keira Obrien and a speech by 1st Sgt. Steve Sprague, Marine instructor at Fort Mill Middle School.
Fort Mill American Legion Post 43 will do a three gun salute and taps.
4. Donation Drive
Fort Mill will be collecting donations for the United Service Organizations, North Carolina-Charlotte Douglas International Airport location.
Donations can be made at the Fort Mill Town Hall, 200 Tom Hall St., from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday. The full list of requested items is on the town website under “Veterans Day Ceremony” at the bottom of the page.
5. Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony
At 10 a.m. Saturday, there will be a Veteran’s Day parade followed by a ceremony.
Parade lineup starts at 9:30 a.m. at Yorkville Marketplace at the corner of North Congress and East Madison streets.
The parade starts at Yorkville Marketplace and goes to the York County Veteran’s Memorial Park in front of the chamber office at 23 E. Liberty St.
At about 10:30 a.m., when the parade has reached the Veterans Memorial Park, a ceremony will honor U.S. veterans.
