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It was sad news to hear that Queen Elizabeth II has passed at the age of 96 as reported on the afternoon of Thursday, September 8, 2022.

To all the natural citizens of Great Britain; to the Royal Family and to those who loved their Queen, my condolences for the loss of the respected, dedicated and longest serving Monarch. Since the end of WWII, it is clear she took the position she would inherit seriously conducting herself and her reign for 70 years with dignity and grace despite the heartache and loss she suffered over the years.

Her passing is significant, so deeply felt by the masses and a reminder to all of us that life is precious and fragile the length of which is never promised. The matter of wealth, prestige, worldly possessions nor popularity make any difference when it comes to our separation from this world into the next. That is why no matter what we have or not, nor what position we hold in life, one day the bell will toll for all of us.

It is so important that we live our life as best we can striving to be the best “me” we can be, living to elevate others, to help bring calm, to care about, support and celebrate the lives of our neighbors near and far, to forgive whenever possible and to remember we will all be held accountable one day for the actions or the “fruits” we bear while on this earth.

Men and women across this nation and the world for that matter are remembered for not just what they say, but more, by far, by what they do, what promises they keep, what truth they stand for and by and by the proof of what help they give to those they reign over in whatever governmental position they hold.

What I have read and heard throughout my life, when it comes to her Majesty the Queen is the praise and affection spoken so often of her so by the citizens of Great Britain. It seems that she chose to refrain from making herself a public spectacle always carrying herself as a lady – one to be reckoned with but nonetheless, a lady who made those who admired her very, very proud. From all accounts she truly loved her homeland and her countless admirers.

PLEASE MAKE NOTE:

SEPTEMBER – “Day at the Docks” Hatteras Village for those of you (veterans) on Hatteras Island who may not have acquired your free Dare County Veteran Discount Card, please make note that you will have an opportunity on Saturday, September 17, 2022, in Hatteras Village along the waterfront at the Day at the Docks event. This annual and very anticipated event will kick off officially on Friday, September 16, however, the Veterans Advisory Council booth will only be on premises on Saturday, the 17^th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. If you wish to get your card, please bring your DD-214 showing honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces; your driver’s license (not required to be a North Carolina driver’s license); and either a Dare County property tax bill in your name; a lease agreement in your name or a utility bill in your name.

As our local Veterans Advisory Council is grateful and values the service and sacrifice of all our veterans, the card was designed for Dare County resident veterans specifically. If a veteran is here on the Outer Banks as a visitor, we will be happy to invite a representative from their county to contact us so that we can explain the value of offering a card like the one our council created and encourage other counties in N.C. and beyond to follow suit.

On a final note about that, the card has initiated countless communications from our veterans and not only is the value of the card, which offers discounts at businesses from Hatteras Village to Corolla featuring 10-15-20% off the goods and services they purchase, but it has provided us an opportunity to say thank you, shake their hand, sometimes offer a hug and for them to meet Patty O’Sullivan, Dare County veteran service officer about potential V.A. claim questions and more. In the event you cannot attend the event at Day at the Docks, please contact Patty at her office at 252-475-5604 or her work cell at 252-473-7749 and leave a clear message with your name and a reachable cell or home phone number.

For very detailed info regarding the fun, activities, food, crafts and most importantly the celebration of our incredible watermen, please review the Outer Banks Visitor Center website www.outerbanks.org and search for EVENTS or on their specific Facebook Page – facebook.com/hatterasdayatthedocks/ – the list of particular events, food booths, chef competitions and overall “not to be missed” activities which will entice you to attend with your entire family. I hope you can make it and enjoy the outstanding Day at the Docks!

OCTOBER – The annual Outer Banks Seafood Festival will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head and the gates will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Always a delightful and fun event embraced by all – please make a note to attend. Again, as mentioned in the Day at the Docks reminder above, we will have the Dare County Veterans Advisory Council booth onsite where you Dare County (veterans) can obtain your free Veteran Discount Card. The requirements are also listed above to acquire this valuable card, which gives our business owners an opportunity to thank you for all you have done for our nation.

DATE PENDING – The Wall That Heals, the moving replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., committee met again on Wednesday, September 7 and the team is busy at work collecting info, making plans and planning strategies for the huge event, we are hoping to be chosen to host next year, 2023, on the Outer Banks. We’ve been busy with this endeavor and we await a confirmation that Dare County will be selected as a site to host it (one way or the other) by this November. Our application was submitted the early morning of the first day we could submit it (Memorial Day) and we are hoping we get a positive response soon so we can advise a date to look forward to next year. I promise you I am biting at the bit, praying about it and hoping beyond hope we will have the honor and privilege of proudly showcasing the service and sacrifice of all the servicemen and women who served in the Vietnam War.

I promise I will keep you all posted as we hear more but I can assure you that if we are confirmed to host it, it will be an unforgettable experience for all of us!

With each and every Gig Line, there is always so much I wish to share with you all but as always, I wish you good health, safety and happiness. Thank you for reading Gig Line and I thank the good Lord for all of you and what you mean to me. If you wish to call me, my cell number is 252-202-2058, or write to me at giglineheroes@aol.com. Also, many past Gig Line columns have been posted if you look at www.giglineheroes.com. God bless you and until next time, stay tuned!

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