On November 10,2012, The State of North Carolina held its annual Veteran's Day Parade with this year's theme of " Welcome Home Iraqi War Veterans". 75 groups of parade participants were greeted by perfect parade weather of 70 degrees with crystal clear blue skies. Participants ranged from an active duty units such as 50th Signal Battalion to retired Veterans of Foreign Wars, North Carolina dignitaries such as the North Carolina Governor Beverly Purdue, Congressman David Price, Congressman Brad Miller and Mayor of Raleigh-Nancy McFarland were in attendance. Nonprofit organizations to include the American Red Cross, Boy Scout/Cub Scout Pack,s and numerous JROTC units were also participating. For the first time, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Officers from North Carolina participated during this State wide parade and celebration. Assistant Surgeon General Rear Admiral William S. Stokes served as one of the Senior Reviewing Officers during the parade. After the conclusion of the parade, the Veterans Day Ceremony commenced by the singing of the presentation of colors by Sanderson High School Air Force JROTC and singing of the national anthem by Mrs. Alicia Grant. Immediately following the Pledge of Allegiance, Governor Purdue made a presentation of wreaths to Veterans of Past and Present while “TAPS” was being played. Furthermore Governor Purdue made the welcome remarks and she was followed by "thank you Veterans "remarks from Congressman David Price and Congressman Brad Miller. US Assistant Surgeon General RADM William Stokes honored all the Veterans and most especially the Iraqi veterans. During RADM Stokes speech, he publicly thanked and acknowledged Commander Josef Rivero of US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS) and Staff Sergeant John Keller of the North Carolina Army National Guard (NCANG) for their self less service during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). The keynote Speaker for the event was Brigadier General (BG) Ferdinand Irizarry II. Brigadier General Ferdinand Irizarry II is the deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (Airborne) based at Fort Bragg, N.C. The entire veterans program was emceed by the ABC News 11 anchor man Larry Stogner whom a Vietnam Veteran. The event was concluded with singing of God Bless America by local singer Ms. Alicia Ellison.