Category Archives: Brick Pavers

Remembering AMM2 Loyce Edward Deen

Did you know that Chapel Hill was a preflight training station for Naval Aviators?  Did you know that Horace Williams Air Field was used for flight training? And, Did you know that 18,700 young aviators graduated and then headed for advanced aviation training and the war?  If you didn’t, you are not alone and this is why we are building the Orange County Veterans Memorial.

Orange County supported the war effort in many ways, but Naval Aviation and the Navy’s V-12 program was vital to our success at sea.  Everyone who called Orange County their home as they participated in the V-12 program deserves recognition.  We hope that family members and alumni will remember that and consider a memorial brick paver to honor one or more of them.  Many never returned.  Many were buried at sea.  This is just one of those stories shared with you in a video.

It was during the Battle of Manila Bay on November 5th, 1944.  Aviation Machinist Mate (Gunner) 2nd Class Loyce Edward Deen was the turret gunner in a TBF Avenger Aircraft.  The mission was with Torpedo Squadron VT15, Air Group 15, off USS ESSEX (CV-9) for Battle of Manila Bay. His aircraft landed safely, but his gun and his seat were riveted with shell fire.  His canopy was shattered and his body so tattered that it could not be removed.  His fingerprints were recorded, his body covered with a shroud, and his TBF Avenger was taken aft and placed in honor at center on the tail-end of the flight deck. 

The crew gathered for committal services and prayer, then the TBF Avenger was gently slid off the deck into the sea.  Burial at sea was an all too common occurrence in battle, but this event was captured on film.  AMM2 Deen has the distinction of being the only naval aviator buried at sea in his aircraft.  It reminds us of the sacrifice made by the many Navymen and women, and, of course, Marines–many trained right here in Orange County.  We share the video with you…  We, local veterans and families of veterans, still remember the sacrifices of the many who did not return home.  How can we possibly forget?  Donate today.

Memorial Day Remembrance – A Very Special Event

We’ve noticed that some do not know that the American Flag or “National Ensign” is honored twice a day–all over the world. This is one of the very first things that a new recruit or officer candidate learns. The Army raises their flag at 0630 for Reveille, but the Navy raises or hoists their colors over every ship and station at 0800. Come join us on Memorial Day, May 28th, at 07:45 am and share in an American tradition–just one of many.

Be sure to be early so that you will be able to watch the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard prepare for the ceremony at about 07:45 am.  They will loosen the lanyard and rig the flag for raising.  They then stand at attention until exactly 08:00 am when the presiding officer calls out, “Attention to Colors!”  and the bugler plays “To the Colors,” as the flag is briskly raised to the top and then lowered to Half Staff to honor Memorial Day.  Everyone remains at “Attention” until the last note is sounded and then hears, “Two” signaling completion of honors.

Your sense of pride should, by then, be welling up inside.  What you have just witnessed is done at every military installation and on every U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ship around the world.  If you have someone serving today, know that they are doing the very same thing somewhere.  It is a time-honored, sacred tradition.  Learn more

We will also have an honored guest and a few brief speakers to share with you other Memorial Day traditions.

The Blue Knights, North Carolina Chapter X, is joining us as Rally Event Marshals and they have invited Riders from Orange and neighboring counties to join them for our remembrance event.  The Blue Knights are our men and women in blue (law enforcement officers) who join together to honor fallen officers and to help support worthy causes.  We expect more than 200 riders and friends.

With riders come flags and motorcycles!  That signals a “Rally Tour.”  You will know when it starts as you see the riders head for their motorcycles and mount them to the sound of kickstands snapping upwards and the hum or rumble of pure power waiting to thrust forward toward the open road and a one hour tour of beautiful Orange County.  You’ll stand by the roadway in awe and be wishing you were joining them.  If you have a motorcycle, you can.  Everyone is invited to join in on the “Tour.”

Riders will parade from our Homestead Road site toward Efland, Hillsborough, and stops in between.  Then they will continue on their ride through picturesque back roads of Orange County.  They will eventually arrive at the American Legion Chapel Hill Post 6 (1714 Legion Road) at about 10 am.  You are welcome to head there to meet them and wave them in. 

The American Legion is hosting their Annual Open House and Memorial Day Celebration.  Maple View Ice Cream will be there with their mobile trailer.  The Post will have historical memorabilia on display at 10 am, a memorial service at 11 am, and a Village Band Concert at 12:30 pm.  Hot dogs and a beverage will be served by Boy Scout Troop 805 and is funded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

So, what are you doing on Memorial Day?  Should it not start and end with a remembrance event that is family oriented?  An event that you will participate in and leave with a strong sense of pride in your community and our rich history.  Bring your kids.  Bring the grandchildren.  Make this event a family tradition–your family tradition.

Please help us share the word about this special event.  Share a copy of our event flyer or share this page on FaceBook and Twitter. 

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Brick Pavers Are Available

Some like to memorialize a family member, friend, or veterans group.  The The Orange County Memorial  walkways  provide this opportunity.  Engraved pavers are 4″ x 8″ and 8″ x 8″ in size and cost $100 and $200, respectively.

We have memorial brick program for the Orange County Veterans Memorial and it is available for mail order now.  We will expand our on-line options in time for Christmas orders.

Our immediate goal is to produce 2,300 individual pavers for the first phase of construction.  This is the flag plaza area.  You do not want to miss the opportunity to have your family or relative honored in the first 2,300-brick group.  Order your brick pavers now.  They are ready for ordering today.  Learn more

Visit the Memorial on Friday, November 10th, at 11 a.m. for our Veterans Day Ceremony.  And, while you are there, explore our first phase and view the architect’s sketches and samples at the entrance kiosk.  Learn more about this event.