Columbus County Honors Service Members with Veterans Day Services and Inaugural Fall Rally in Whiteville

WHITEVILLE — Columbus County residents will honor military veterans this week with traditional ceremonies on Wednesday, Nov. 11, followed by a full-day weekend festival at Veterans Memorial Park of America in Whiteville.

Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, marking the official end of World War I at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. The federal holiday was later renamed Veterans Day to recognize all living service members who have served in the United States Armed Forces during both wartime and peacetime.

Wednesday, November 11 Observances

Countywide observances begin Wednesday morning with two official ceremonies taking place at 11:00 a.m.:

• Columbus County Courthouse Service: A Veterans Day service will be held in the Superior Courtroom of the Columbus County Courthouse in downtown Whiteville.

• Veterans Memorial Park Service & Meal: Veterans Memorial Park will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony at 11:00 a.m., followed by a complimentary meal for all attending veterans.

In observance of the holiday, federal, state, and local government offices, the U.S. Postal Service, banks, and select private businesses across Columbus County will be closed on Wednesday.

Inaugural Veterans Fall Rally on Saturday, Nov. 14

The commemorations extend into the weekend as Veterans Memorial Park of America holds its Inaugural Veterans Fall Rally on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Main festival grounds and activities will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring a packed schedule of live entertainment, vehicle shows, and direct veteran support services.

• Freedom Isn’t Free Motorcycle Run: Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 9:45 a.m., with kickstands up at 10:00 a.m. for a 100-mile group ride.

• Main Rally & Festival Grounds: Live music, food trucks, and local craft vendors will be active throughout the park from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m..

• Cruise-In Car Show: Classic and custom vehicles gather starting at 11:30 a.m..

• Veterans Stand Down & Benefits Assistance: Representatives from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and local veterans service organizations will be on-site throughout the day to assist veterans with benefits claims, healthcare resources, and community support.

Event Calendar & Location Details

• Columbus County Courthouse Ceremony: Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11:00 a.m. — Superior Courtroom, Columbus County Courthouse, 112 W. Jackson St., Whiteville, NC 28472.

• Veterans Memorial Park Service: Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11:00 a.m. — Veterans Memorial Park of America, 6354 James B. White Hwy. S., Whiteville, NC 28472.

• Inaugural Veterans Fall Rally Schedule (Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026):

  • 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.: Freedom Isn’t Free Motorcycle Run Registration

  • 10:00 a.m.: Motorcycle Run Departure (100-mile ride)

  • 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Main Rally Grounds Open (Live music, food trucks, craft vendors, Veterans Stand Down)

  • 11:30 a.m.: Cruise-In Car Show Staging & Display

• Park Location: Veterans Memorial Park of America, 6354 James B. White Hwy. S., Whiteville, NC 28472 (US-701 South).

• Event Contacts: For vendor inquiries, ride registration, or general information, contact event coordinators Randy at 910-840-5207 or Angela at 910-840-3848.

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