The Town of Wake Forest, accompanied by local veterans' groups, is slated to conduct a flag-raising ceremony next Monday at 11 a.m. at Town Hall's Centennial Plaza. The service, marking the 63rd event of its kind, is set to honor the memory of Terry Shackelton, a United States Marine Corps veteran.
Shackelton's friends and family are expected to be in attendance, contributing to a program that will feature patriotic songs, special remarks, and a wreath-laying homage. As a gesture of reverence and recognition, the Wake Forest Fire Department Honor Guard will hoist both the American flag and the US Marine Corps service flag. These banners will adorn Centennial Plaza for the duration of the month, with the American flag earmarked to be presented to the Shackeltons at the upcoming September 8 ceremony.
Adding a personal touch to the ceremony, memorabilia and photographs of the late serviceman will be showcased at the plaza during the ceremony, before being transferred to the Town Hall lobby where they'll remain on display until month's end. According to a statement obtained by the Wake Forest announcement, this month's ceremony is part of a broader initiative aimed at saluting deceased veterans from the area and their kin, with services customarily held on the first Monday of each month from April through October.
Community engagement does not end at the ceremonies. The Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Committee is actively seeking to commemorate more of Wake Forest's fallen veterans. To be considered, veterans must meet specific criteria, such as enlisting while in Wake Forest, dying within the town, or being an active member of a local veterans' organization.
