RHONDA GRIFFIN,STAFF WRITER

The week of Nov. 5-11 has been proclaimed as “Employ a Vet Week.”

Gabrilla Ann Garrett, branch manager of Elizabethtown’s Employment Security Commission, spoke to the Elizabethtown commissioners at their Monday night meeting, asking for cooperation from the town to hire veterans into the workforce.

“Veterans in North Carolina represent a strong and productive part of the state’s work force. Because these brave men and women have served with honor, they deserve the right and the opportunity to pursue quality employment at a competitive wage,” said the official proclamation for “Employ a Vet Week.”

ESC will host a job fair for veterans at the Elizabethtown office on Wednesday, Nov. 8. For information on the event, contact Garrett at 862-3255.

A special event for Veterans’ Day is planned for Thursday, Nov. 9, at the National Guard Armory in Elizabethtown.

Beginning at 11 a.m., the program will include a ceremony and luncheon, with guest speakers, drill teams from both East and West Bladen, singing and other activities and entertainment.

The event will be a collaborated effort between Employment Security Commission, the Town of Elizabethtown and other local businesses and community groups.

“Veterans have valuable skills, learned both in military and civilian life, and they deserve the chance to put those skills to work here at home,” said the proclamation.

In support of the upcoming events honoring veterans, Elizabethtown Town Manager David Bone said, “It has been a pleasure working with Mrs. Garrett and we hope this can become an annual event.

“Without her leadership, this event would not be happening,” he concluded.