A month ago the cruise-in members recognized soldiers and veterans of the efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now, the group is moving on to honor veterans of the Vietnam War and World War II.
“We want them to know they’re not forgotten and there’s people that care,” explained Ricky Cockerham, one of the organizers for the cruise-ins.
The first event, “Cruise In of Honor,” will be held at Temple Baptist Church in Mount Airy on Oct. 24. At this event, Cruise In For Christ will honor all veterans from the Vietnam War era.
“If you hear stories about soldiers coming back (from war), Vietnam was a little different,” said Clay Honeycutt, head organizer of the events.
Honeycutt likes to talk to veterans and write about their experiences. He has heard many stories of how Vietnam veterans were looked down upon and treated poorly when they came back from war. Honeycutt believes that veterans are often disregarded in general.
He said, “If it hadn’t of been for these veterans, (people) wouldn’t have the freedom to come out to these events.”
The first Cruise In of Honor will last from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is free to spectators. Several gospel groups are scheduled to sing throughout the day: Sugarloaf Mountain Band, Dean Browder, Heartsong/The Brown Family, From the Heart, Pastor Zane Fishel, and Temple Baptist Youth Choir. Food will also be available.
Special guests will be the Vietnam Veterans Group and American Legion Riders. All veteran groups are welcome. Vietnam veterans will be judging the cruise-in at 3 p.m. and presenting awards at 5 p.m.
At cruise-ins held by Cruise In For Christ, classic and new vehicles are welcome. Cars, trucks, bikes and tractors register for a $5 fee at the Cruise In of Honor.
“We’ll have good food and fellowship,” Honeycutt assured.
Honeycutt also encourages people to come to the first ever “A Day in the Park” on Veterans Day. This is more like a service. The event will begin at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, Veterans Day, at Skyline Memory Gardens in Mount Airy. Everyone is welcome, and refreshments will be served.
Vietnam Veterans Group, American Legion Riders Association, Sugar Loaf Mountain Band, Cruise In For Christ, and members of the Mount Airy Police Department will be present at the event. The Rev. Charlie Hawks of Pine Ridge Mission and Pastor Zane Fishel of Temple Baptist Church will be present to speak and pray.
Music will also be performed by Charlie and Shirley Hawks and the Sugar Loaf Mountain Band. Poems will be read by Honeycutt and George Randall, and Honeycutt will present one of his veterans books to Skyline Memory Gardens. Don Belle of the Vietnam Veterans Group will make a presentation to Gold Star Parents.
On Nov. 14, Cruise In For Christ will sponsor the first ever Mayberry Flight of Honor Cruise In and Car Show. One lane of downtown Mount Airy will be closed for this event that will run from noon to 5 p.m. Cruise In For Christ will keep half of each $10 registration fee to help pay for costs, but all other money raised will go to Triad Flight of Honor to help pay for local veterans to go on the trip to Washington, D.C.
A 50/50 drawing will be held, and door prizes will be given out. Dean Browder, From the Heart, Sugarloaf Mountain Band, and Fountain of Life will perform. Food will be provided by E&B Food Service and West Pine Kitchen and Drive In. At this cruise-in, registered cars have a chance to win the first Mayberry Flight of Honor Memorial Trophy, sponsored by Horizon Equipment Rentals.
This event’s focus is to honor World War II veterans. Honeycutt will be selling his book there titled “Honor Flight.” After paying for printing costs, Honeycutt will donate the rest of the money to the Triad Flight of Honor.
“We need to support them in any way we can,” said Honeycutt.
Cockerham said the group hopes to have 100 cars registered at these cruise-ins. He thinks people need to come and show their support by entering cars or coming to observe.
“(The veterans) supported us for a bunch of years out there. We need to support them,” Cockerham remarked.
People from a variety of local churches participate in the Cruise In For Christ group. “Anybody and everybody can join us,” said Honeycutt.
The group holds cruise-ins each month, and the state of the weather determines the frequency of the shows. In the spring, the group plans to honor veterans of the Korean War.
For more information on the events, contact Clay Honeycutt at 374-8590 or Ricky Cockerham at 366-3198.
Contact Meghann Evans at mevans@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.
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