Orange County will hold a Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. to honor individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The event will take place at the Orange County Veterans Memorial, located at 2501 Homestead Road next to the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill.
The memorial is situated in a wooded area and features a curved masonry rock wall that forms a courtyard of brick pavers and granite. At its center stands a flagpole above a hexagonal granite design symbolizing the six branches of the U.S. military: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. The site also displays the Great Seal of the United States and the Great Seal of North Carolina, along with stone benches engraved with “FREEDOM ★ SERVICE ★ SACRIFICE.”
First dedicated in May 2017 and expanded by May 2021, future phases will add an electronic kiosk, more walking paths, additional seating, and landscaping improvements.
The ceremony’s tentative agenda includes an introduction by Col. David Chandler (U.S. Air Force Retired), presentation of colors by MSG Calfa (U.S. Army) & Color Guard, Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Jess Anderson (Chapel Hill), National Anthem performed by Billy G. Farrish (Minister of Music at Prospect Hill Baptist Church), invocation from Mayor Barbra Foushee (Carrboro), opening remarks from Col. Fred Black (U.S. Army), recognition of officials by Rep. Renee Price (NC District 50), guest speaker introduction by Lt. Col. Lisa Klekowski (U.S. Army), keynote address from Brigadier General Vivek Kshetrapal (Deputy Commanding General of the 81st Readiness Division of the U.S. Army Reserve), recognition of military branches by Mayor Mark Bell (Hillsborough), memorial update from Capt. Bruce Runberg (U.S. Navy Retired), paver recognition from Capt. John Cocowitch (U.S. Navy Retired), closing remarks from Jamezetta Bedford (Chair, Orange County Board of Commissioners), retrieval of colors by MSG Calfa & Color Guard, and sounding of Taps performed by Edward Gill (U.S. Army Veteran).
The public is invited to attend free of charge; light refreshments will be available after the program.
“This site is more than stone and flag—it honors the ideals of freedom, service, and sacrifice,” said Bruce Runberg, a member of the Veterans Memorial Board of Directors and co-founder of the site. “As Veterans Day continues to evolve, ceremonies like this help bridge past and present, bringing together veterans, families, leaders, and citizens in gratitude and reflection.”
Runberg has played an important role in establishing and developing this memorial as both a local resident and former UNC facilities leader.
The Orange County Veterans Memorial serves as an ongoing tribute for remembrance throughout the year.
Recent data shows that among senior students taking college readiness exams in Orange County school districts during 2022-23: about half were considered ready for college-level science—49 percent according to results published at https://www.dpi.nc.gov/—and similar proportions were found for reading skills at 56 percent readiness rates per https://www.dpi.nc.gov/. Math readiness was slightly lower with approximately 46 percent meeting college standards as reported on https://www.dpi.nc.gov/.
For junior students during that same period: about 51 percent demonstrated college readiness in science per https://www.dpi.nc.gov/, while reading scores indicated around 55 percent readiness according to https://www.dpi.nc.gov/, with math results showing roughly 45 percent meeting benchmarks listed on https://www.dpi.nc.gov/.
