Parade has special meaning for families with deep military ties

BAYBORO — Saturday’s annual Pamlico County Veterans Day Parade was special for two families whose members celebrated the past, present and the future of the military.

Each has a family history of military service and sons currently in the high school Junior ROTC program, with their eyes on military careers.

Nancy Hudnell of Aurora came to see her son Dale, a member of the ROTC unit. The 15-year-old ninth-grader plans on joining the military after high school, according to his mother.

“He wants to join the Army” she said, while waiting along N.C. 55 for the annual parade, sponsored by Pamlico County’s veterans organizations and Tom Toler, the veterans service officer. “The ROTC program is the best thing that ever happened to these kids.”

Hudnell’s family ties to the military include two nephews in the Marines, two others in the National Guard, a niece in the Navy and a brother in the Marines.

“I’m a very proud mother, and I’m very proud of my veterans,” she said. She considers all of the military as family.

“Without the veterans and without the military, who are we?” she asked.

Up the street, the Pence family from Florence — Walt, Linda and their bichion frise dogs Molly and Rascal — came to see their son Austin, an 18-year-old senior platoon leader in the ROTC.

“Our son wants to be a Marine, to be a Super Cobra Attack helicopter pilot,” said Walt Pence, a retired Marine.

Amid the music, colorful characters from Sudan Shrine and the Pamlico County Shrine Club, politicians and civic groups in the parade, there were veterans from the past — World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Both families agreed these men were the focus of the day.

“It is so important to remember the sacrifice these veterans have made,” said Walt Pence. “And, the young guys and girls now serving are doing a really tough job. I think we are fortunate that this community has a great awareness of the sacrifice of servicemen.”

The Pence family military connection includes mother Linda, who is a nurse, with a rank of captain in the Army Reserves, based out of Fort Bragg.

Saturday’s parade was followed by the annual Veterans Service Council awards and luncheon ceremony.

Charlie Hall can be reached at 252-635-5667 or chall@freedomenc.com.