Southport Magazine

Fourth of July Parade Honors Veterans

Story courtesy July 4th Festival Committee

The North Carolina 4 th of July Festival Committee will honor Vietnam Veterans during the 2019 festival by naming them as Honorary Marshals of the Festival Parade. It is the tradition of the festival to acknowledge different war era soldiers in alternate years. This year the committee has chosen to honor our Vietnam Veterans for their contributions overseas and at home.

“The 4 th of July Committee is pleased to honor all veterans,” said Karen Sphar, executive vice president of the Southport Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. “Acknowledging our Armed Services for the freedoms we enjoy today is an important aspect of each year’s 4 th of July celebration. From the days of the Continental Army to today’s five branches of military service opportunities, many have given all. No matter the call or opinion of cause, the troops stand ready to defend and we are proud to honor their efforts.”

The military festival float coordination has been done with the help of the Brunswick County Veterans Coalition. Brunswick County has more than 130,000 people within its boundaries. Approximately 10 percent are veterans who have served in the armed forces, a majority of these are over the age of 65. Many of these veterans are members of veteran organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the Marine Corps League and others. These veterans, although not in uniform any longer, strive to assist fellow veterans in need and the citizens of Brunswick County through various programs.