The community of Jacksonville is gearing up for the annual Freedom Fountain Observance, welcoming the public to a ceremony set to recommit one of its most emblematic landmarks to the service of military members. Scheduled for Friday at 9:30AM, participants will experience the historical recount of the Freedom Fountain, the mixing of waters from local municipalities, and a pledge to honor Veterans Day. According to a statement on the City of Jacksonville's website, this event is part of a larger expression of gratitude towards those who have traveled through Onslow County in dedication to their country.
The fountain's design is a tribute to the first Gulf War, symbolizing the community's response to the military families affected by deployments. Intentionally located at the gateway to Highway 24, it marks the path taken by Marines to Morehead City for deployment. The structure features a unique design with a vanishing edge basin and a curved wall with arches that hold representations of the five armed services. Despite it's symbolic architecture, the design was a collaborative effort, endorsed by the Jacksonville City Council and incorporating community input.
In addition to the fountain's design, the site includes black marble kiosks that were etched in 2016 to narrate the story of the Freedom Fountain. Flags and jets represent federal, state, and local governments, alongside water jets symbolizing all 50 states. Added in 2015, five flagpoles and flags stand in the median leading to the fountain, each one for a branch of the military. The Military medallions installed in June of 2014 are suspended in the arches, depicting the five service branches. The observance is a communal tradition supported by the Onslow Civic Affairs Committee and is part of the Veterans Tribute NC event lineup.
