CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — Events were held across the Carolinas Monday honoring our veterans and military members.
In Cabarrus County, a ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of Veterans Park. But more than a place to play or reflect, the park located at the intersection of Hwy 49 and Harrisburg Veterans Rd is also home to a permanent setting of the Charters of Freedom.
"The Declaration of Independence on the left, four pages of the Constitution in the middle, and the Bill of Rights on the right," said Vance Patterson, founder of Foundation Forward, who installed the setting.
Patterson and his wife, Mary-Jo, both of Burke County, created the foundation after being inspired during a visit to Washington, D.C.
"Seeing something our founding fathers actually penned, and then seeing their signatures – Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Rutledge, Wilson, and the others, I just got goosebumps. And, then when we moved over and saw those first three words of the Constitution, We The People, I actually got a lump in my throat. It was really an emotional experience," Vance recalled.
The Pattersons' foundation has now brought the Charters of Freedom to 28 communities across the country.
They hope the settings will provide hands-on education in American History and Civics.
"Imagine if you will, school teachers bringing their 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes to their Charters of Freedom for annual field trips to learn a little about our founding fathers, the history surrounding the beginning of our country, and how government is meant to serve and protect 'We The People,'" said Vance in his dedication speech.
"I think it’s hard to describe in an abstract way what Veterans Day is to children and this is great to have something right in front of them and to show them the connection between the Constitution and all the different branches of military and the Civil War and the Revolutionary War and how that’s all connected," said Karen Clary, who was with her niece at Monday’s event.
According to a press release, legacy pavers will be installed in front of the Charters of Freedom Setting for citizens to honor loved ones, active duty military or veterans, first responders, family members, or organizations.
The pavers can be purchased from Foundation Forward for a tax-deductible donation of $100 when you visit chartersoffreedom.com.