Patriotism alive and well in Clay County

American Legion Post 532 Commander Robert Seibert listens as County Commission Chairman Rob Peck talks about the future Veterans Memorial Park.

A conceptual drawing of the future Veterans Memorial Park located at the entrance to the current veterans park. Groundbreaking is slated for spring 2024. Donations are still needed to reach the goal of having the park open by next Veterans Day.

Becky Long • Clay County Progress County Commissioner and veteran Clay Logan joins American Legion Commander Robert Seibert and other veterans for the unveiling of the sign marking Clay County as a Purple Heart Community. Five signs with the designation will be placed in the county.

Gracie Taylor • Clay County Progress American Legion veterans Dwight McClure, left, and Phil Cantley conduct the flag folding ceremony at Frank R. Long Memorial Stadium on Nov. 9 during a celebration ceremony in which Hayesville High School, Middle School and Elementary were individually recognized as Patriotic School of the Year in North Carolina. “This is a big deal,” noted Legion member Carl Maxwell. “It’s a statewide honor and all three of our schools were recipients.”