Head to Veterans Freedom Park for a ceremony emceed by Cary Council Member Jack Smith honoring veterans of all wars and conflicts. The ceremony will feature remarks from Cary Town Council members, special guest speakers from local veteran organizations, and patriotic music from the Old North State Brass Band.

Speakers

Congresswoman Deborah Ross grew up in a small town, and her parents instilled in her the belief that with opportunity comes responsibility and that through public service she could help others and make a difference. Deborah came to North Carolina for law school at UNC-Chapel Hill and became an active member of the local community. She entered public service in 2002, when she ran for and won a seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives, where she served for over ten years. Sworn into the House of Representatives on January 3, 2021, she currently represents North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District. In the U.S House, Deborah serves on the House Committee on the Judiciary, House Committee on Rules, and House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Master Chief Curtis R. Leary was born on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, just north of Duck, about 75 yards from Caffey’s Inlet Coast Guard Life Saving Station where his granddad and stepdad were stationed for many years. He spent many hours at the station, helping the crew and pretending he was a Coastie. By his early teens, he had a bunk at the station, and even ate with the crew in the galley at times. In the 12th grade, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard Reserves, and entered the full Coast Guard in October of 1954 after Hurricane Hazel came through N.C. His 27-year career took him all over the country, and his retirement in September of 1980 ended a combined 267 years of family Coast Guard service.

He is an active member of Cary American Legion Post 67, a Cary Chamber of Commerce ambassador, a board member of the 4th Branch, member of Masonic Lodge 198 in Cary, active in the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association, Past National President of the Armed Forces E9 Association, Life Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, active in the Coast Guard Telephone Technicians reunions, an active member of Westwood Baptist Church in Cary, and active with the NC Baptist Builders on Mission. He volunteers with the Cary Citizens Assisting Police (CAP) Team and is a Gideon with the West Raleigh Camp.

Gunnery Sergeant Jeffrey Sherman served in the Marine Corps for 23 years with deployments to Afghanistan with HMLA-773 as a Communications Chief attached to the 10th Mountain Division Aviation Brigade. In 2004, Gunnery Sergeant Sherman was deployed to Iraq where he rotated between four different forward operating bases, supporting 26 flying squadrons and a team of 21 radio operators. A decorated veteran, Gunny Sherman has been awarded the following for his service: the Navy Achievement Medal (3rd award); Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal (5th Award); National Defense Service Medal (2nd award); Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Certificates of Commendation from the Marine Corps, United States Army, and United States Border Patrol, The United States Marshal’s Service, Drug Enforcement Agency and one Meritorious Mast.

Parking
Free parking will be available at Cary Academy (1500 N. Harrison Ave.), directly across the street from Veterans Freedom Park. A free, ADA-accessible shuttle will be on hand to transport everyone to the memorial. Masks must be worn while riding the shuttle.

Field of Flags
A special Field of Flags will be placed at Veterans Freedom Park all week long in honor of those that have bravely served in the armed forces.