The annual Veterans Day ceremony was held at 11 a.m., Nov. 11, in Madge L. VanHorne Auditorium in Columbia.

Bill Voliva, a Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and commander of Scuppernong Post 182 of The American Legion, sponsoring organization, welcomed the nearly 100 persons in attendance.

Walter Davenport and Howard Liverman, U.S. Army veterans, posted the national and state colors.

Paige Mullen, U.S. Coast Guard veteran and Post 182 historian, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance

Davenport, Post 182 chaplain, gave the invocation in memory of those missing in action, prisoners of war, or deceased veterans.

Local veterans who died during the past 12 months were: Rev. Alonza M.G. Bryant, Billy K. Everton, Ray Everton Jr., Larry Gibbs, Walter Hinton, Daniel W. Reynolds, Mamie L. Spencer, William Braxton Voliva St., James Currie Walker, and Rodney Earl Young Sr.

In memory of the deceased veterans, Mullen and Sandy Swain, U.S. Air Force veteran, laid a wreath while Richard Edwards, Columbia High School Band director, played Taps.

Leroy Spivey, U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran, Post 182 treasurer and master of ceremonies, recognized veterans of World War II and all later conflicts as well as female veterans and the oldest veteran present — Robert L. Mitchell, 98, U.S. Navy World War II veteran of the South Pacific theater.

The Sound Side Missionary Baptist Church Community Choir — 22 voices plus five young singers — presented a musical “Salute to Veterans and Country.”

The choir and audience joined in singing God Bless America.

Mike Crowder, U.S. Air Force veteran and Post 182 and Tyrrell County service officer, urged veterans to apply for benefits they have earned as a result of their service.

The Rev. Joe Wynns, retired U.S. Marine Corps master sergeant, Vietnam War veteran and pastor of Frying Pan Freewill Baptist Church, gave closing remarks and prayed the benediction to close the program.

Several Columbia eateries offered a lunch, drink or dessert special to veterans on Veterans Day: Highway 55, Columbia Crossing Restaurant, Flemz, Bear’s Lair, and Sandy’s Place.

Members of Cub Scout Pack 86 and Boy Scout Troop 86 distributed programs to those attending the ceremonies.

Flowers on stage and the wreath were provided by Coastal Blooms in Manteo.