Veterans Day Ceremony 2024
The Western North Carolina VA Health Care System collaborated with the Buncombe County Veteran's Council and the City of Asheville to host a Veterans Day ceremony at the Charles George VA Medical Center—the event aimed to honor those who have served the nation while bringing the community together.
Together then, together again!
The Western North Carolina VA Health Care System collaborated with the Buncombe County Veteran's Council and the City of Asheville to host a Veterans Day ceremony at the Charles George VA Medical Center—the event aimed to honor those who have served the nation while bringing the community together.
"As we recover, we must stay strong, be resilient, and help each other. Western North Carolina Veterans has a history of coming together; we will need that now," said Allan Perkal, the Chairman of the Buncombe County Veteran's Council and master of ceremonies for the event.
The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by The American Legion Post 317 from Marshall and a rendition of the National Anthem, sung by Bradley Parker from the Marine Corps League North Carolina Detachment 1417. Steve Henderson, a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
In her opening remarks, Stephanie Young, the executive director of the WNCVAHCS, addressed the audience to highlight the continued dedication of VA staff in caring for Veterans following Hurricane Helene. She acknowledged the vital contributions of volunteers and the partnerships formed with external agencies to support their efforts. Young also shared the story of William Arnold "Big Arnold" Price, an Army Veteran with vivid memories of World War II.
"Big Arnold also remembers how valiant his friend, Audie Murphy, was and the bullets flying over their heads. He asks that the community not only be giving but also understand the meaning of the word Veterans," she said about the 100-year-old Veteran.
Sa'eed Mustafa, a retired command sergeant major of the U.S. Army and Bronze Star recipient, served as the keynote speaker. As the author of 'Resilient Transition,' he delivered an inspiring message about resilience and motivated listeners to overcome challenges.
After the keynote speaker, three members of the Brothers and Sisters Like These Veteran writing group—Army Veterans Emiliano Enea and Sarah Cully and U.S. Air Force Vietnam Veteran Ron Toler — presented their creative works to the audience.
"This group writes to heal the wounds of war and leave their legacy with their family," explained Perkal.
To watch the Asheville Veterans Day Ceremony, please visit the City of Asheville YouTube page: https://youtu.be/DJ4rM3B3YDY?si=duWkFPF82XdQkIlt