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Honoring Heroes: 2019 Veteran and Military Events on the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks' culture is deeply rooted in our community's ties to those who serve. Lifesaving Service surfmen at Kill Devil Hills aided the Wright Brothers' experiments; Army Brigadier General Billy Mitchell demonstrated air power by sinking battleships off Hatteras in 1923; and during World War II, the Navy, Coast Guard, and Civil Air Patrol safeguarded our shores and Allied shipping from submarine threats. Military history surrounds us. Discover these key 2019 events honoring our veterans. Explore more historical facts on our Military & Veterans page.

North Carolina Veterans Songwriting Workshop

The inaugural North Carolina Veterans Songwriting Workshop took place on May 4-5, 2019, on the Outer Banks as part of the Dare County Arts Council’s Veterans Arts Program. Led by Ron Capps, founder of the Veterans Writing Project—a national nonprofit that has empowered over 3,500 veterans, service members, and families to share their stories through writing—this free workshop welcomed all skill levels.

Honoring Heroes: 2019 Veteran and Military Events on the Outer Banks

Participants explored melody, harmony, song structure, lyrics, rhyme schemes, and narrative techniques, with hands-on practice and feedback sessions. Open to veterans, active-duty military, and families with basic instrument familiarity (bring your own), it was held at First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with complimentary breakfast at 8 a.m. and lunch provided. Kick off early with veteran musician Jonny Waters' performance on Friday, May 3, from 6-8 p.m. at the Dare County Arts Council during First Friday in Manteo.

Brothers Like These: A Staged Reading of Poetry by Vietnam Veterans

On May 23, 2019, experience Brothers Like These, a staged reading drawn from a book of Vietnam veterans' stories and poems published by St. Andrews University Press (available for sale at the event). Crafted over two years in weekly sessions at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, the project was guided by Appalachian State English professor Joseph Bathanti and VA physician Dr. Bruce Kelly.

Honoring Heroes: 2019 Veteran and Military Events on the Outer Banks

2019 Outer Banks Veterans Week

The 7th annual Outer Banks Veterans Week occurred in November 2019, celebrating veterans and families through arts and community events from the northern beaches to Hatteras. A full schedule of ceremonies and activities for veterans and active-duty members was featured.

2019 Outer Banks Veterans Writing Project

The Outer Banks Veterans Writing Project returned for its 7th year in November 2019. Details were posted on the Dare County Arts Council event page by mid-May.

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