MINT HILL, NC – The Annual Mint Hill Veterans Breakfast returned on Saturday, November 12, to Mint Hill. The event sponsored and supported by the Town of Mint Hill to honor local veterans was a great success. The event was canceled the past two years due to COVID, but the town did hold a drive-thru event during the pandemic handing out boxed meals. This year’s venue was Arlington Baptist Church located on Arlington Church Road in Mint Hill.

The Town of Mint Hill, the Mint Hill Fire Department, Independence High School AFJROTC, Boy Scout Troop 65, and many local area volunteers did an outstanding job delivering a first-class event. The breakfast was well-received and much-appreciated by the large crowd of veterans in attendance who made the time to continue a great tradition started by former Mayor Ted Biggers.

Also in attendance was current Mayor Brad Simmons, and Commissioners Dale Dalton, Twanna Henderson, Patrick Holton, and Tony Long. All the veterans appreciate our local political leaders for their continued support of this annual event.

The program included a Call to Reveille, Old Glory Posting the Colors, AFJROTC Color Guard, Pledge of Allegiance, Star Spangled Banner sung beautifully by Melissa Tamez, Welcome by Mayor Brad Simmons, Invocation by Pastor Rick Whittier (Arlington Baptist Church), and Guest Speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Jenkins (Retired USAF, Senior JROTC Instructor at Independence High School, Commander Mint Hill American Legion Post 555, Inc.). There was also a presentation from Quilts of Valor, who handed out five beautifully handmade quilts to selected veterans to honor their service and sacrifice to a grateful nation. This was followed with an excellent video put on large screens honoring all those who served. The closing remarks were made by Ted Biggers, with the event ending with the playing of Taps.

As a veteran myself, I would like to speak for all veterans who were in attendance that we certainly appreciate and are honored by receiving recognition from our local community, including all the hard work that goes into putting this event together. There are many individuals we could name, but the list is long and doesn’t want to leave anyone behind.

A huge “Thank you” from your local veterans to all the town employees, residents and citizens of Mint Hill who make this day possible.