Sampson County Veteran Affairs director Ann Knowles is prepping to lead the county in its annual Memorial Day services, set for May 25 at 10 a.m.at Veterans Park, a now annual tradition paying tribute to those who paid the ultimate price for their country.
According to Knowles, Sampson County first started celebrating Memorial Day before she led the Veterans office. When she joined in 1975, she recalled feeling humbled upon seeing the service for the first time.
“That was the first time I was involved with Memorial Day,” recalled Knowles in a recent interview. “It was a humble day for me, being able to stop and remember all the men and women who gave their lives for our country to keep us safe. I knew, because of that, our job in the Veterans Office was to do everything possible each and every day for our veterans who had given so much to us.”
Knowles credits the sacrifices made by veterans during their service with allowing for the freedoms in America today.
“We live in the best of times due to the men and women who chose to join the military, along with those who were drafted,” Knowles said. “The wars, from the Revolutionary War to Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan, are why we have a country that is free. Oftentimes, we do not think about the men and women who entered into the service, willing to give their lives so that we could be free.”
According to Knowles, events such as the Memorial Day service help to combat this, making sure no veteran’s sacrifice goes unnoticed.
“Today, Sampson County has 2,800 veterans who have served or are serving,” she stated. “They stepped up to the task and served our country and still serve every day. They never stop serving. Many assist other veterans to get to medical appointments or help their own community. When veterans raise their right hand to serve their country, even if it means giving their life, they keep that oath for all their lives.”
After starting with the Veterans office over 50 years ago, Knowles credits her time with veterans as one of the factors that helped shape her into who she is today.
“I am a better person today because of the veterans and the families I have worked with. I have seen them overcome obstacles that seemed impossible . I have seen those who have multiple medical issues, or have a spouse with medical issues, still reach out to help others. They don’t think of themselves first. First, they are there to help others.”
Because of what her line of work entails, Knowles doesn’t consider what she does as work but as an obligation.
“It is a responsibility, our responsibility, to do everything we can to help our veterans,” she asserted. “Because of this, I feel that every day is Memorial Day or Veterans Day. In the past, I’ve been able to talk with many World War II veterans and hear their stories of joining the military when the war started. A lot of people told me that they left for the war within a month of marrying their sweetheart. Others told me how their wives mailed them that she was pregnant and by the time they got home from the war, they now had a little boy or girl that was a year or so old and they still hadn’t seen them. All wars are horrible for our men and women who leave their homes and families, not knowing when or if they will return.”
During the program in the Veterans Park, Knowles will read the names of Sampson County soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in every major U.S. battle dating back to the Civil War. This, she said, is a key step in acknowledging the freedoms available to Americans nationwide.
“When watching the news, I see the terror happening around the world and wonder when our country might be faced with another Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan issue. We are the strongest country in the world and when our country needs us, our young men and women will be there to stand up for us. We are the greatest nation because of our military branches and the support of our veterans and their families.”
The Memorial Day service will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at the Sampson County Veterans Park. During the program, guests will walk through the park and hear and see the names of local veterans throughout history. After the program, guests are invited to stay for a reception. Sampson County Commissioner and local minister the Rev. Thaddeus Godwin is expected to speak.