North Charleston’s Tribute to Veterans highlights love of nation, family and friends

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Veterans and their families and friends packed the North Charleston Performing Arts Center for the 24th annual Tribute to Veterans ceremony.

Hundreds heard from city officials, students and veterans about their connections to Veterans Day and the importance of remembering those who served.

Emceed by Live 5’s Bill Walsh, who is also a veteran, the tribute featured the presentation of colors, a missing man table ceremony to remember those who have passed, youth tributes and a roll call of veterans.

“I thank God for that because being a veteran today is a blessing just to be able to look around and talk to the others and let them know that I really appreciate the love that they have for each other,” Kenneth Wright, a local reverend and Navy veteran, said. One thing about veterans: We stick together. “We stand together. We have nothing but love for each other. We fight for each other. And this is what the people today are doing for us.”

North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess gave remarks sharing his experience as coming from a military family.

The keynote speech was given by retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Terrance Adams and highlighted the love of nation, family and friends during what he called a “tough time for the nation.”

Serving for 39 years, he shared his experience serving while surrounded by his supportive family and friends.

“This thing called love is a very powerful thing,” Adams said. “Some of you may feel that it’s an emotion. But I will tell you, the men and women who’ve worn a uniform into battle, this connection to the person to your left and to your right is very important. Being able to trust them as we move forward in that battle.”

Adams encouraged the audience to remember the power of love and to not stay silent while hate is expressed. He calls it a campaign to “shout love.”

“Love overcomes hate. Love will overcome evil,” Paul Jones, a retired Vietnam War veteran, said. “It means the chance to help others who can’t help or who are in need of help, like not only in this country, but other countries around the world. Love is what makes the world go round, and it’s what will help keep us together.”

He also shared his experience starting a program called Crucial Conversations, where service members could come and speak honestly with him.

Adams also encouraged the audience to think about why they believe in what they do and to challenge “rightness.”

“I would tell you that at any cost that we can do to stay away from war is what I want to do,” Adams said. “But that starts with you in this room. It starts with you thinking differently about what you believe.”

He closed by telling people to think about their call to serve, their love of their nation, and the big and small sacrifices service members make every day.

“The greatest threat we have to our nation is inside,” he said. “You have a responsibility to think deeply about what you believe and why.”

City officials also rewarded the oldest and youngest female and male veterans. The oldest male veteran was 103 years old, and his counterpart was 94 years old.

“My heart goes to you, to all who are not here, and I appreciate each and every veteran in every branch of the service,” Jones said. “May God bless all of you and God bless America.”