27-05-2025
Greenville hosts Memorial Day celebration
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — On Monday May 26th, 2025, the city of Greenville hosted its annual Memorial Day celebration at River Park North.
Multiple veteran organizations, groups, and non-profits attended the service on Monday. Music and sound rang out throughout the service with songs like 'God Bless America', the national anthem, and taps.
During the ceremony a presentation of the American flag being folded described what each fold was for and why the flag is treated with such respect as a symbol to honor those that died for it.
Brigadier General James R. Gorham served as the main speaker today started his speech with a proud sound-off chant that he would give during his time as an NCO. He was supported at the service by his five older sisters and his mother who he said made him who he is today. Gorham Serves as the Director for the Joint Staff of the North Carolina Joint Force Headquarters. General Gorham was commissioned in 1980 through Officer Candidate School, North Carolina Military Academy at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Prior to receiving his commission, he served as an enlisted member both on active duty and with the North Carolina Army National Guard for a total of 6 years. His previous military assignments include commanding at the company, battalion, and brigade levels, as well as various staff positions.
General Gorham's most recent assignments include mobilization in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as Commander, 130th Finance Battalion; Deputy Commander, 130th Combat Support Brigade (Maneuver Enhanced), Commander, 113th Sustainment Brigade; and Assistant Adjutant General-Army, North Carolina National Guard.
'It's definitely a day to remember those who sacrificed their lives. I don't know a lot, but I know a few, I'm deeply indebted to them, and happy that I was able to make it through seven years on nuclear submarines with them and come back home to my family,' Mike Dicken, a Navy veteran, said.
Dicken served from 1971-1978. He was able to receive training and spend 34 years in nuclear weapons programs and nuclear power plants. His hope is that the new generations see this and take advantage of these benefits too.
'Being in the service is an excellent opportunity for individuals, men and women, to gain a foothold and get a good job and excellent training,' Dicken said.
For more information about the event and for more conversations with veterans and people taking part in the service today click on the video above.
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