The month of November gives everyone an opportunity to express thanks to our military veterans. Across America, veterans will be honored with parades, programs, and meals.

Cleveland County's Veterans will be honored on Saturday, November 11, 2023, with a parade and program in uptown Shelby. Sponsored by the Cleveland County Veterans Service Office and the Cleveland County Veterans Advisory Council, the festivities will begin at 10 a.m. with the parade.

Spectators may line the route of the parade which starts at South Lafayette Street, beginning at West Graham Street going north past the Historic Court House Square, then left onto West Marion Street to the Bobby Bell Pavilion. Local Color Guards and Honor Guards, various veterans organizations, Pinnacle Classical Academy's Band along with local veterans driving their own vehicles will make up the parade. Cleveland County Commissioners, Shelby City Council, State Senator Ted Alexander, the Register of Deeds along with other elected officials and local volunteer fire departments will participate in the parade.

After the parade, there will be a program to honor all veterans held on the south lawn of the historic court square (Earl Scruggs Center) beginning at 11am. This year's program will feature the Crest High School Air Force JROTC Honor Guard presenting the colors, the American Legion Post 82 Honor Guard giving a rifle salute and taps, and local singer, Sherry Vess will provide music for the Veterans Program.

The Rev. Dr. Vance Hunt of Belmont will be the speaker. Rev. Dr. Hunt was born in Ellenboro. He graduated from Ridgeview High School, Hickory. He is a United States Army Vietnam Veteran who received a Bronze Star. He earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Cleveland Community College, a bachelor's degree in religion from Gardner Webb University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and his Doctorate from Carolina University of Theology. During his career he has served as a police officer in Hickory, an art instructor at Catawba College, and as a supervisor at the GE plant in Hickory. After being ordained, he served more than ten United Methodist Churches in the area and is now the senior pastor of Foundation Ministries, Charlotte.

All veterans, their families and the public are invited to attend these events to honor and celebrate veterans and their service to America.

The American Legion Family of Organizations is hosting a hot dog lunch at the Warren F. Hoyle American Legion #82, 1628 South Lafayette Street, Shelby. Veterans and guests will be treated with hot dog lunch prepared by members of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron #82 and the Shelby American Legion Auxiliary Unit #82. There will be take out lunches available for all. Coordinating the event is SAL Commander Zach Parker and Auxiliary President Denise Smith.