Annual event honors American veterans, premieres documentary
In its 13th year, the Veterans Day tribute honors and recognizes veterans from all branches of service in the United States armed forces. This event will include a color guard presentation, a performance of service branch anthems and the premiere of a documentary.
"We are once again honored to give thanks to the many courageous individuals who put their lives on the line for our country," said Rod Gragg, center director. "We expect another massive turnout to praise and honor these veterans."
The event includes the premiere of "Gumption, Grit & Glory: The Battle of Kings Mountain," a documentary produced by Gragg that chronicles the decisive battle fought in South Carolina during the American War for Independence.
"The British army, which had conquered and occupied South Carolina, was confronted by a rough force of Scots-Irish volunteers from the backcountry of Tennessee, the Carolinas and Virginia on a rocky, wooded hill on the border of North and South Carolina," said Gragg. "They were known as the 'Over-Mountain Men,' and their action at the Battle of Kings Mountain changed the course of the American Revolution."
The CresCom Bank Center for Military Services & Veterans Studies, which has been partnered with CCU since 2014, has a threefold mission: to collect and preserve the oral history of American veterans in partnership with the Library of Congress and service branch archives, to promote outreach programs designed to encourage public recognition of the service and sacrifices of veterans; and to conduct research into American military history.
Wheelwright Auditorium is located at 108 Spadoni Park Circle on the main Conway campus.
For more information on the event, contact Gragg at rgragg@coastal.edu or 843-349-3431. For tickets, call the Wheelwright Box Office at 843-349-ARTS (2787) or visit coastal.edu/culturalarts. Wheelwright Box Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.