GIG LINE
By Marsha M. Brown
As Dare Countians we are richly blessed! How? Well…just let me count the ways!
We live beside, across from and behind outstanding citizens who are committed to the well being of others; our volunteers are exceptional because they lift up and care for the elderly, the sick and the homeless; we can legitimately boast our dedicated law enforcement, firemen/women & emergency personnel/first responders because they deserve our respect; our ‘top notch’ teachers go above and beyond to help our children and grandchildren learn and grow into confident, productive men and women; we enjoy honest business owners who run the gambit offering nearly every good and service there is and readily available to us (without having to drive to Virginia or even Elizabeth City as in yesteryear); we have a huge selection of medical personnel to choose from with expertise in nearly every field of medicine and who associate not only with our own Outer Banks Hospital but many hospitals away from here to ensure provision for the best, state of the art care, treatment and recovery; we have after care facilities that many of our folks reside at permanently; we have entertainment galore for all ages and interests; our first class restaurants and mom and pop dining options are endless (and yummy); our shopping opportunities overall? what else could one want? our churches are houses of worship where we support and pray for families in need…love on them and ask for God’s healing and blessings for their lives we celebrate our Lord together; we attend patriotic ceremonies together, standing together side by side shaking each other’s hand and hugging tightly those who have lost loved ones while uttering sometimes in whispers, “Thank you for your service…for America…and for me”.
We have eye candy all around us in the beauty of our landscape; the great Atlantic Ocean; the natural salt marsh and ponds that make you roll your car window down and inhale like you really mean it…that salty Outer Banks aroma; the history…oh glory…the history that consumes us! And…drum roll please! Do you know what else we have to enjoy? Our veterans…our veterans of all ages…from all backgrounds…from all branches of services…many of whom were born and raised right here…some who came to live among us after they visited just once when they felt “the peace” of Dare County and fell head first in love. Veterans are here all right…they are ‘poster’ men and women of sacrifice, valor, endurance and skill…so many of whom could tell their stories and make you weep…then bow your head forward and thank God silently that perhaps you had never had to go through what many of them have – around them often times are framed pictures of them in boot camp, or on a ship…destiny unknown – their fate unknown…old gray photos of their ‘brothers’ and framed displays of medals and ribbons for honorable service, and hanging close by are military uniforms too small now to button up…but beautiful just the same as they proudly hang on the hangar or lay folded in the trunk…safe from harm.
I am so thankful I live in Dare County. I love every thing about it and while I like to visit friends and family elsewhere…I wouldn’t trade what we have right here for anything. If you know of a veteran who needs help, please let me know, cell: (252) 202-2058. Many veterans are embarrassed or uncomfortable about discussing their heartaches or struggles. So…its up to us to notice them, thank them and ask them if they’re okay…they have looked after all of us from near and far and now its our turn to look out for them. They all deserve our best show of gratitude, love and support. Our families all over Dare County love our vets and want to help. And to all of our parents, grandparents and great grandparents who inspire our youth to believe in our military…good job!
Our young people are smart and interested in many aspects of the military and ‘its’ way of life and lately I’ve heard of quite a few who have either joined or are considering joining the service. Our 14 year old grandson, Ben Brown of Wanchese, son of Bill Brown and Jamie Brown recently won an essay contest about patriotism and how veterans inspire him. Though he was not present at the February 6, 2017 Outer Banks V.F.W. Post 10950 meeting, I was blessed to have had the opportunity to accept the Patriot’s Pen award in his behalf from Commander Clark Twiddy. (See photo compliments of V.F.W. Member Bo Simpson). Ben is a young man like many of our youth who admires family members and friends who have served and he collects military memorabilia, books and other materials that made his ‘Pappy’ Billy Brown proud.
Outer Banks V.F.W. Post 10950 Members please note the next meeting is Monday, March 6th 7PM at the Colington Fire Department – Colington Harbor. Please attend to discuss important matters and their upcoming annual event. They could use and would appreciate your help!
Until next time, be happy, be safe and be proud. Be proud of all who have served and all who love our country. God bless you all. Stay tuned.