Clay County Honors Fallen Heroes at Memorial Day Ceremony and Dedicates New Veterans' Park

The crowd started to gather more than an hour before the ceremony started.

HAYESVILLE, NC – On Monday, May 26, 2025, Clay County hosted a heartfelt Memorial Day ceremony and the dedication of the new Veterans' Park, drawing a standing-room-only crowd of community members. The event, held to honor fallen veterans and celebrate the opening of a new community landmark, was marked by solemn tributes and patriotic unity.

VFW Commander John Clodfelter served as Master of Ceremonies, warmly welcoming attendees. The ceremony began with an invocation by VFW Chaplain John Smith, setting a reflective tone. VFW Post Commander Bob Bond shared a poignant letter written by John McCain during his captivity, highlighting the significance of the Pledge of Allegiance. Bond also explained the symbolism of the POW/MIA table, a powerful reminder of those who never returned.

Vietnam Veteran Wade Patterson delivered moving Memorial Day remarks, while Keith Bragg, Annie Lloyd, and Marilyn Dore performed stirring patriotic songs. Sisters Grace and Anne Gibson read the names of Clay County veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice, their voices resonating with the crowd.

The ceremony featured a 21-gun salute, followed by taps played by Hayesville High School Band member Gage Brown. VFW Post 6812 and American Legion Post 532 placed the colors under the command of Dwight McClure. The American Legion led a flag-folding ceremony, and VFW Auxiliary President Helen Davis and American Legion Auxiliary President Teresa McClure conducted the Placing of the Wreath ceremony. Bob Bond and Dwight McClure raised the flag to full staff, and American Legion Chaplain Carl Maxwell closed the Memorial Day portion with a prayer.

The event transitioned to the dedication of the new Veterans' Park, a project spearheaded by Project Manager Betty Faye Bradley. Bradley was recognized for her leadership and thanked contractors and donors who brought the park to fruition. Lake Silver, field representative for Congressman Chuck Edwards, presented Bradley and the Chairman of the Clay County Board of Commissioners with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol on Veterans Day 2024. The Chairman officially dedicated the park, addressing the large crowd, and Vice-Chair Randy Nichols concluded the ceremony with a closing prayer.

The day was a powerful tribute to Clay County’s veterans and a celebration of a new space dedicated to their legacy, uniting the community in gratitude and remembrance.

The video of the full ceremony is available below: