Retired Army Maj. Gen. Charles H. Swannack Jr. will give the keynote address when Davidson Parks & Recreation and American Legion Post 86 host the 16th Annual Davidson Veteran’s Day Observance Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m., on the Village Green.
Wednesday’s event will be rain or shine.
The event will include singing of the National Anthem, by Davidson College student Rieti Gengo, other patriotic songs, a flag-folding ceremony and a 21-gun salute. Colors will be presented by American Legion Post 86, North Mecklenburg High School Air Force Junior ROTC and Hopewell High School Army Junior ROTC.
Davidson Mayor John Woods will open the ceremony with welcoming remarks. Invocation will be given by Dr. Bill Cain, Pastor of Bethel Presbyterian Church. Master of Ceremonies will be John Washam, Commander of American Legion Post 86.
ABOUT THE GENERAL
Maj. Gen. Swannack was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the infantry after graduating from the United States Military Academy in June 1971. He has served more than 30 years in command and staff positions at every level, from platoon to Department of the Army.
Before retiring, Maj. Gen. Swannack served six months as the Deputy Commander, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, where he helped prepare units for deployment to Iraq. Before that, he commanded the 82nd Airborne Division from Oct. 8, 2002 to May 27, 2004, providing troops for combat operations in Afghanistan. He personally led the 82nd Airborne Division during combat operations from Kuwait to Baghdad and later civil-military operations in western Iraq.
In retirement, Maj. Gen. Swannack consults for defense corporations, primarily as a trainer, coach and mentor to combat teams preparing for Iraq and Afghanistan deployments.
About Veterans Day
Veteran’s Day evolved from the Old Armistice Day ending World War I in 1918. The Armistice was declared on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 a.m. It was to be the war that ended all wars, but as we all know, it didn’t end all wars, and today it has changed to “Veteran’s Day” to remember and honor veterans of succeeding wars.
