An emotional gathering of more than 300 at the Foothills Higher Education Center in Morganton Wednesday, paid tribute to former and present military personnel. The event was a commemoration of Veterans Day, coordinated by the Burke County Veterans Service Office. Speaker for the event was US Navy retired Master Chief Petty Officer Champ Ray, who served 30 years in the Hospital Corps and retired in 1985. Ray pointed to military service personnel in all branches who served, bled and died for our country. Also recognized was Korean ex-prisoner of war Sgt. First Class Bailey Gillespie, who recounted the horrors of a North Korean prison camp, with inadequate clothing and being exposed to sub zero temperatures. 30 to 40 POWs died each day and more than 1600 perished in the camp where he was held. A brief program of remembrance honored MIAs and POWs and the laying of the wreath memorialized all fallen heroes.

A Hickory Youth Council Member is appointed to serve on the State Youth Advisory Council. Aislynn Hosey is a tenth grade student who wanted to get involved in the community almost two years ago. She was appointed by Governor McCrory to serve on the State Youth Advisory Council, which is comprised of teenagers from local youth councils from across the state. SYC provides opportunities for young people to be involved in local projects, participate in government, develop leadership skills, and represent youth in civic activities, according to the State Youth Council website.