ELLERBE — More than 75 people turned out for a breakfast to honor senior veterans at the Ellerbe Senior Center Thursday morning, hosted by Richmond County Aging Services.
Paul Whitley, a veteran and Lydia Mabe and staff prepared the meals and Sterling Welch, also a veteran, helped serve up breakfast, with John Autry blessing the food.
AMVETS Post 316 honor guard gave a flag-folding presentation, describing the meaning behind each step in the process.
Guest speakers Jim Parker from the N.C. Department of Commerce and David O’Neal, retired Master Sgt. David O’Neal, who served in U.S. Army Special Operations.
Food and door prizes for the event were donated by a cadre of local businesses and individuals including: The Berry Patch, Food Lion on Broad Avenue, Rockingham, Edwards IGA, Chris Smith, Pressley Farms, Ellerbe Springs Inn, Lacy Shepherd, Neel Peacock, The Blue Q Ranch — owned by former NFL quarterback Kerry Collins — Hardee’s and the United Way of Richmond County.
The next event will be a luncheon at the East Rockingham Senior Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 22.