Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
Somber Memorial Day observances across the region paid tribute to the estimated 1.2 million American service members who have died in the nation’s wars and conflicts. Over the weekend, community members gathered at local cemeteries and public venues to honor their sacrifice.
The commemorations began on Saturday, May 23, at Greensboro’s historic Maplewood Cemetery. Gathering in the military section of the East Side cemetery, which dates back to 1918, leaders from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2087 and its auxiliary joined local Boy Scouts and members of the JustOne Foundation for a remembrance service. Organizer Justin Washington spoke about growing community support and recent City of Greensboro initiatives to refurbish the cemetery, where thousands of Black residents are laid to rest, including hundreds in unmarked graves.
On Sunday, nearly 100 people gathered at the Guilford County Veterans Memorial in Greensboro’s Country Park. The service took place on grounds recently upgraded following severe damage from a 2024 tropical storm. Ongoing renovations have introduced new commemorative brick pavers, updated flagpoles, and the permanent installation of a decommissioned 1969 Vietnam War Huey helicopter. Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dr. Kevin O’Callaghan delivered the keynote remarks, calling on attendees to reflect on leadership, service, and the true cost of sacrifice.
On Monday, May 25, the Piedmont Triad’s largest observance took place at the Carolina Field of Honor at Triad Park in Kernersville. Several hundred veterans and families gathered at the memorial for the ceremony. This year’s keynote speaker, Gold Star spouse Kris Rystrom Emmett, shared the deeply personal story of her husband’s death during a 1993 Naval aircraft humanitarian mission in Bosnia, movingly recounting how honoring his legacy has provided her with lifelong strength, determination and resolve.
