Ivy Harvell at Veterans Monument at Rotary Plaza

Nov. 12. There were two special events on Veterans Day in Cornelius that really were special. The first was a “rock sinking” for a new reef at Patriot Pier in Ramsey Creek Park, the second was the traditional celebration at the Veterans Monument at Rotary Plaza behind Town Hall.

Patriot Pier

Former Gov. Jim Martin, the 70th governor of North Carolina (1985-1993) came to Ramsey Creek Park as well as officials from NC Wildlife Federation, Purple Heart Homes and Lancaster Docks which is donating construction and materials.

Patriot Pier will be extended from side to side with rock reefs arcing out from the new structure to provide more habitat for fish.

Billy Wilson, of NC Wildlife Federation

At Rotary Plaza

The traditional Veterans Day observation at the Veterans Monument brought a crowd of some 200 people to their feet several times.

The Hough High Concert choir performed as well as Kasi Everhart, who sang songs like “America the Beautiful.” The Hough High JROTC unit posted the colors and American Legion Post 866 Ladies placed a Wreath of Remembrance in addition to the welcome from Mayor Woody Washam and remarks from Major General James F. Barnette.

The master of ceremonies was Randy Wally, from American Legion Post 86.

One of the highlights of the event was the addition of new names on the wall at Rotary Plaza, including Army veteran Ivy Harvell, who grew up in Smithville.

Kasi Everhart wowed the audience at Rotary Plaza