Veterans Memorial Highway – Dedication Celebration

WYTHE COUNTY TO PARTICIPATE IN VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY

DEDICATION CELEBRATION

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Clyde Easter has been diligently working to preserve the memory of all veterans within the mountains of southwest Virginia.

For many years, Easter has strived to get U.S. Highway 52 through Carroll, Wythe and Bland Counties designated as Veterans Memorial Highway. Now, his dream is a reality. A dedication celebration is being held at each of the participating counties from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 20, 2018.

In a letter of support for Veterans Memorial Highway, Easter said: “Ladies and gentleman, I urge you to pass this resolution supporting the naming of U.S. Highway 52, Veterans Memorial Highway. I believe that by doing so that it would perpetuate, and preserve the memory of all veterans of all wars, those that survive, and those that gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today.”

Easter said he is a twice wounded veteran of World War II.

“We know that sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance,” Easter said in his letter. “As America’s twelve million war veterans fast disappear from society’s landscape there are fewer standard bearers left to carry the torch of remembrance. Such traditions will live on only if there is a vibrant movement to which that torch can be passed.”

The dedication celebration will take place in three different counties on October 20, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to take part in a procession with an antique car or motorcycle in the U.S. 52 Veterans Memorial Highway Procession.

Please come show your support for Mr. Easter and all veterans at the dedication celebration during all or one of the following events:

In Bland County, the dedication ceremony starts at the Bland County Veterans’ Memorial in Rocky Gap, at 9 a.m. There will be a ceremony recognizing veterans featuring an American Legion Gun Salute and bagpipes. Following the ceremony, participants will form a procession and travel via U.S. 52 south to Austinville (approx. 52 miles).

In Wythe County, the dedication event will start at 11 a.m. and officials will honor veterans in a ceremony at the historic Shot Tower, 283 Pauley Flatwoods Rd, Austinville. Following the ceremony, the procession will leave for Hillsville, Va. via U.S. 52 south at 11:30 a.m. (approx. 15 miles).

In Carroll County, the procession should arrive in Hillsville shortly after 12 p.m. The dedication event in Carroll County will start at 1 p.m. at the stage behind Hillsville Town Hall (410 N Main St, Hillsville, Va. 24343). The event will include, recognition of local veterans, remarks by an honored guest and music. Lunch will be served.

Easter is from the Fancy Gap area of Carroll County, Va.

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If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Wythe County officials, please call Blake Stowers at 276-223-4522 or email Blake at [email protected]