Veterans Day is a time to pause and recognize the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform — and here in Davie County, there are plenty of opportunities to say “thank you.”
Observed each year on November 11, Veterans Day traces its roots to the end of World War I, when the fighting ceased on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor American Veterans of all wars and all eras of military service.
This year, Davie County will honor those men and women in many different ways. Students will welcome Veterans into their schools, green lights will shine from homes and businesses, flags will fill Mocksville’s Tree of Honor, and the community will gather for music, meals, fellowship and remembrance.
On Veterans Day itself, three events in Mocksville make it easy to spend part of the day showing your appreciation: Lambert Funeral Home’s Salute to Our Veterans at 11 a.m., the Tree of Honor lighting at 11:45 a.m., and Eaton Funeral Service’s Veterans Day Appreciation from noon–2 p.m.
But you don’t have to wait until November 11 to get involved.
Shine a Green Light for Our Veterans
From November 4–11, homes, businesses, and government buildings across the country will glow green as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a national initiative designed to make Veterans visible and let them know they are appreciated and supported.
Davie County Government is once again participating in Operation Green Light, joining counties across the country to show support for Veterans and raise awareness of the resources available to them. County buildings will be illuminated green November 4–11.
The Town of Mocksville is also participating. The Mocksville Board of Commissioners adopted an Operation Green Light proclamation in October, encouraging residents and businesses to join the effort.
And participating couldn’t be easier.
Simply change one light to green — on your porch, outside your business or in a visible window — and let it shine in honor of the men and women who served.
It’s a small gesture with a big message: Davie County sees and appreciates its Veterans.
Davie County Schools Invite Veterans to Be Their Honored Guests
Some of the most heartfelt Veterans Day celebrations will come from Davie County’s youngest residents.
Davie County Schools is inviting local Veterans to attend special programs at elementary and middle schools across the district. From patriotic performances and Veterans breakfasts to a parade and drive-through celebration, students and staff have planned a variety of ways to say thank you.
Friday, November 6
William Ellis Middle School — 8:15 a.m.
A formal Veterans Day program will begin at 8:15 a.m., followed by breakfast.
North Davie Middle School — 8:30 a.m.
Veterans are invited to join students and staff for the school’s Veterans Day program.
South Davie Middle School — 10 a.m.
Veterans are invited to attend a special Veterans Day program beginning at 10 a.m.
Monday, November 9
William R. Davie Elementary — 9 a.m.
The school’s annual Veterans Day program will begin at 9 a.m. in the gym. Veterans typically begin arriving around 8:30 a.m. Following the program, Veterans and their families are invited to a reception in the media center. The celebration is expected to conclude around 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, November 10
Cornatzer Elementary — 9:30 a.m.
Cornatzer will honor local Veterans with a special Veterans Drive-Through beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Cooleemee Elementary — 1–2 p.m.
Students will present sidewalk performances facing the parking lot. Veterans and guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the celebration.
Mocksville Elementary — 1:45 p.m.
Mocksville Elementary will hold its annual Veterans Parade through the school parking lot. Students will line the sidewalk to recognize and cheer on participating Veterans. Veterans who would like to participate should sign up in advance or contact the school.
Thursday, November 12
Pinebrook Elementary — 8:15–9:30 a.m.
The morning begins with breakfast at 8:15 a.m. Veterans who would like to speak with students in their classrooms will have an opportunity to do so beginning at 9 a.m. Advance registration is available.
Shady Grove Elementary — 9 a.m.
Veterans are invited to breakfast in the cafeteria followed by a special chorus performance.
Veterans planning to attend are encouraged to review the individual event information and register where requested.
See the complete Davie County Schools Veterans Day schedule and registration information.
Veterans Day in Mocksville — Wednesday, November 11
Veterans Day itself offers several opportunities to gather, remember, and celebrate.
11 a.m. — A Salute to Our Veterans at Lambert Funeral Home
Lambert Funeral Home & Cremation Service will host a special Salute to Our Veterans at 11 a.m. in its chapel at 635 Wilkesboro Street in Mocksville.
Boy Scout Troop 574 and the Davie County Honor Guard will present the colors, while the Davie County Singing Seniors will share patriotic music.
Mocksville Town Manager Lee Rollins will serve as the guest speaker. Following the service, guests are invited to stay for brunch refreshments and fellowship. The event is open to everyone.
Lambert Funeral Home & Cremation Service
635 Wilkesboro Street, Mocksville
Wednesday, November 11 | 11 a.m.
336-751-1100
11:45 a.m. — Mocksville’s Tree of Honor Lighting
From Lambert, the Veterans Day recognition continues in downtown Mocksville with the lighting of the Tree of Honor at Main Street Park at 11:45 a.m.
The Tree of Honor provides families and friends with an opportunity to recognize someone special who served.
For $3 each, flags can be purchased in honor or memory of a designated service person. The flags will decorate the tree, creating a visible tribute to the men and women who have served our country.
Even better, the tribute helps Veterans right here at home. All proceeds support the Davie County Heroes Fund, which provides assistance to local Veterans.
Contributions will be accepted through December. However, the deadline to purchase a flag and have your honoree’s name appear in the Davie County Enterprise-Record is November 2.
The Tree of Honor will remain lighted throughout the holiday season, extending the tribute well beyond Veterans Day.
Tree of Honor Lighting Ceremony
Main Street Park, Downtown Mocksville
Wednesday, November 11 | 11:45 a.m.
Flags | $3 each
Deadline: November 2
Purchase a Tree of Honor flag or download the form.
Noon–2 p.m. — Veterans Day Appreciation at Eaton Funeral Service
After the morning observances, Veterans and their families can continue the day with lunch, music and fellowship at Eaton Funeral Service, 325 North Main Street in Mocksville.
Eaton’s Veterans Day Appreciation will be held from noon–2 p.m., rain or shine.
The gathering will feature live music by Mona Jo and Friends, along with an opportunity to spend time together while celebrating those who have served our country.
Best of all, lunch is free for Veterans and their families.
Eaton Funeral Service
325 North Main Street, Mocksville
Wednesday, November 11 | Noon–2 p.m.
Free lunch for Veterans and their families
Rain or shine
Veterans Luncheon at WinMock — Thursday, November 12
The recognition continues the day after Veterans Day when Trellis Supportive Care hosts a Veterans Luncheon in Honor of Our Nation’s 250th and Those Who Served at WinMock at Kinderton in Bermuda Run.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m., followed by a plated lunch and program from noon–1:30 p.m.
The program will feature Cameron Kent, guest speaker Randell Jones, and musical entertainment by Serah Haley.
As a thank you for their service, Veterans attend at no cost. Admission for other guests is $20. Seating is limited, and advance registration is required.
Thursday, November 12 | 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
WinMock at Kinderton
168 E. Kinderton Way, Bermuda Run
Veterans: Free | Other guests: $20
Registration information: 336-408-9217
Learn more and register for the Veterans Luncheon.
Supporting Davie County Veterans All Year Long
Veterans Day may put a spotlight on those who served, but support for Davie County’s Veterans continues year-round.
Davie County Senior Services, Davie County Veterans Services, and Trellis Supportive Care work together to provide opportunities for Veterans to connect. The Veterans Social, generally held on the first Thursday of each month, offers refreshments, fellowship, and conversation with fellow Veterans. Senior Services also includes Veterans Appreciation events as part of its ongoing programming.
Local Veterans organizations provide another important source of fellowship and support.
DAV Davie County Chapter 75 helps connect Veterans with information, resources, and support. The chapter meets on the first Monday of each month at 1958 U.S. Highway 601 South in Mocksville.
Davie County is also home to Cooleemee-Mocksville Memorial VFW Post 1119 in Cooleemee and VFW Post 8719 in Advance. These organizations give Veterans opportunities for fellowship, community service, remembrance, and connection with others who understand the experience of military service. Learn more about the VFW through the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of North Carolina.
For Veterans and families who need help navigating benefits, Davie County Veterans Services assists Veterans, dependents, and survivors with accessing programs ranging from disability compensation and pensions to education, burial benefits, military records, and VA healthcare enrollment.
The office is located at 644 North Main Street in Mocksville and can be reached at 336-753-6225.
A Thank You That Lasts All Year
Davie County’s Thank-A-Vet program offers another way for the community to show its appreciation year-round.
Through the Davie County Register of Deeds Office, Veterans who record their DD-214 discharge form at no charge can receive a complimentary photo ID badge that provides access to discounts and special offers from participating Davie County businesses.
Learn more about Thank-A-Vet and participating businesses.
These programs and organizations are an important reminder that while Veterans Day comes once a year, supporting the men and women who served doesn’t have to.
One Green Light. One Flag. One Thank You.
You don’t have to attend a ceremony to make Veterans Day meaningful.
Change a porch light to green. Purchase a $3 flag in someone’s honor. Attend a school program. Bring a Veteran to lunch. Shake someone’s hand. Ask about their service. Or simply take a moment to say, “Thank you.”
However you choose to participate, Veterans Day offers an opportunity to remind the men and women who served that their sacrifices have not been forgotten.
And in Davie County, that’s a message worth sharing not just on November 11, but all year long.