In observance of Veterans Day, the City of Asheville, along with Buncombe County, the Buncombe County Veterans Council, and the US Department of Veterans Affair invite the community to a ceremony honoring those who serve our country.
City of Asheville offices will also be closed Wednesday, November 11, in observance of the holiday.
“As a city, we are deeply proud to stand alongside our community partners in honoring our veterans,” said City Manager DK Wesley. “Their courageous and honorable service safeguards the very freedoms and democracy we cherish. It is a profound privilege to recognize their enduring dedication to our nation.”
Veterans Day Ceremony
A Veterans Day Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville. The Ceremony includes: readings from Brothers and Sisters Like These, musical performances, and the Presentation of Colors by Owen High School JROTC. The Ceremony’s keynote speaker will be Kevin Rumley, LCAS, LCSW, DSW, Marine Corps Veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and Director of the Veterans Treatment Court Program.
Unveiling of the Memorial Bench
Immediately following the Ceremony, attendees are encouraged to remain for the unveiling of a custom memorial bench carved from Hurricane Helene-salvaged wood. Chainsaw artist and veteran Mike Ayers of Whetstone Wordworks created the bench in partnership with ceremony sponsor Echoes of the Forest. It commemorates those who served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation New Dawn (OND)
Video of the ceremony will be available on the City of Asheville YouTube channel at 3 p.m.
City of Asheville Services and Facilities, Nov. 11:
Transit
Asheville Rides Transit (ART) bus service will run on a normal schedule. ART service will be free of charge to all veterans.
Sanitation
Collection of trash and recycling is on a regular schedule. The Sanitation office will be closed.
Asheville Parks & Recreation
- Administrative offices and community center buildings are closed. Outdoor features at community centers such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports courts adjacent to community center buildings are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- City parks and greenways are open on a regular schedule of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the year. These areas operate on a separate schedule:
- Tennis and pickleball courts at Kenilworth, Malvern Hills, and Montford parks are open from 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Riverside Cemetery is open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Community members are encouraged to check the City of Asheville’s website before heading to Helene-affected recreation areas for the latest information on accessible amenities. Current statuses include:
- Azalea Park: fishing pond (with a new dock) and trails are open
- Recreation Park: basketball court and river access for fishing are open
- Carrier Park: picnic shelter, lawn and wetland areas, parking lots, and velodrome are open
- French Broad River Park is completely closed, including the section of French Broad River Greenway located within it
- Dog Parks: While the popular dog parks at Azalea and French Broad River parks are included in recovery projects, temporary dog parks are open at Riverbend and Aston parks. These will remain open until permanent dog parks are built.
- To search events and activities, check out Asheville Parks & Recreation’s program guide.
Community & Regional Entertainment Facilities
- The Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville facility and box office will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in honor of Veterans Day, and will reopen for regular business hours on Thursday.
- The WNC Nature Center will be open during regular hours
- The Aston Park Tennis Center will be open during regular hours.
- The Asheville Municipal Golf & Disc Golf Course will be open for regular operating hours.
Emergency services
Water Resources staff will be available for water-related emergencies 24 hours a day over the holiday. Water production plants remain staffed 24-7 as is normal operational procedure. Customers can call the customer service line at (828) 251-1122 to report water related emergencies, leaks, breaks and no water calls.
Water Resources
Staff will be available for water related emergencies 24 hours a day over the holiday. Customers can call the customer service line at (828) 251-1122 to report water related emergencies, leaks, breaks and no water calls. Teams continue to staff our water treatment facilities.