This special community celebration will honor local veterans and service members for their courage, sacrifice, and dedication. The event will also mark the official release of Volume III of the Wilkes Veterans History Project, a growing collection of personal stories and interviews that preserve the voices and experiences of Wilkes County veterans for future generations.
The event will be held in the library’s newly renovated top-floor space at 215 Tenth Street, North Wilkesboro, and will feature live music by Home Fires Burnin’, a local band known for its heartfelt Americana sound. Enjoy light refreshments and family-friendly games and activities.
This year’s celebration will feature an exciting new addition: the unveiling of a series of Veteran Trading Cards that honor the service of local heroes in a unique and accessible format. Each collectible card showcases a veteran from Wilkes County, including a photo, their branch of service, and the campaign they were involved in. Guests at the event will have the opportunity to collect these cards, which will also be distributed by the library in the following months. Designed to educate and engage younger generations, these cards are both a tribute and a tool for learning about the personal sacrifices that shape our nation’s history.
You can also assist the library in preserving the stories of veterans. The Wilkes Veterans History Project is a living archive—and it needs your help to grow. If you know a veteran whose story should be preserved, or if you’re a veteran willing to share your experience, the library welcomes your participation.
Ways to get involved:
- Submit a story – Share personal accounts, letters, photographs, or memorabilia
- Conduct an interview – Use library-provided questions and tools to help a veteran tell their story
- Volunteer your time – Assist with documenting, transcribing, or organizing submissions
“We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize our veterans and to share their stories through the Wilkes Veterans History Project,” said Suzanne Manners, Wilkes County Librarian. “This event is a chance for our community to come together, show appreciation, and ensure these histories are never forgotten.”
Admission is free and open to all. Veterans, families, friends, and community members are warmly encouraged to attend.
For more information, to contribute to the project, or to learn more about the Veteran Trading Cards, please contact the library at 336-838-2818 or visit www.wilkeslibrary.org.