On May 3, the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department will hold its third annual Veterans Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
It is an event that first started in the truck bay of Station 1 on Roanoke Avenue and last year moved to Kirkwood Adams Community Center on Hamilton Street, which will be the location of this year’s celebration of veterans.
“When we did the first one we had 40 attend,” Deputy Chief Wes Hux said. “Last year at the community center we had 100 veterans. We’re hoping to have 150 this year.”
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Thus far 60 have signed up for the breakfast at the community center which kicks off with the posting of colors by the Roanoke Rapids High School JROTC at 8:15 a.m. To reserve a spot leave a message at 252-533-2829.
Hux said he believes the event has grown because of the good reception of the first one. “I think it’s word of mouth. After the first year they told others how it was, they had a good time and had camaraderie. We did a little better marketing. We put fliers out at churches and businesses.”
Hux said having this event means a lot to the fire department. ‘It goes back to our slogan of serving those who serve. Having Veterans Day one day a year is not enough.”
There will be numerous door prizes from a myriad of sponsors, Hux said, which include a push mower, cordless drill and tickets to the upcoming Craig Morgan show at Weldon Mills Theater.
Attendance by younger veterans picked up from last year, Chief Jason Patrick said. “A lot of businesses have allowed their veterans to come.”
Like Hux, Patrick said, “It means a lot to give back to our veterans. It gives them another day to be recognized and gives them an opportunity to get together, sit down, socialize and talk.”
Hux said the fire department is still accepting door prizes for the event. To donate a door prize contact him at 252-532-5162.
