News

Dr. Moore, 100, keynotes Veterans Day ceremony

Dr. P.J. Moore headlines a Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday.

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 10, 2020

Longtime surgeon P.J. Moore, who turned 100 in March, will deliver keynote remarks for Asheville's Veterans Day ceremony, which will be livestreamed at 11 a.m. Wednesday from Asheville City Hall.

Co-sponsored by the Charles George V.A. Medical Center, Buncombe County Veterans Council and the city of Asheville, the 45-minute ceremony will feature introductory and closing remarks by U.S. Air Force Vietnam Veteran Allan Perkal, chairman of the Buncombe County Veterans Council.

Marine Corps veteran Ric Ledford will sing the National Anthem. U.S. Army Vietnam veteran Ted Minnick will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Charles George VA Medical Center Director Stephanie Young will be a presenter.
The ceremony will feature readings from “Brothers and Sisters Like These” by Stacie Litsenberger, U.S. Army, Iraq; Pete Ramsey, U.S. Army, Vietnam; and Tommy Cannon, U.S. Army, Iraq.
Drafted into the Army 1943, Moore served as a surgeon at Lawson Army Hospital outside of Atlanta. Dr. Moore operated on soldiers who had lost limbs in combat, particularly soldiers who had fought in the pivotal Battle of the Bulge. An avid golfer, he also taught his patients the game as a way to help them through their long road to recovery.
Moore continued his medical career in civilian life for the next 70 years after his military service. He retired as the oldest active surgeon in North Carolina at the age of 96 in 2016. Dr. Moore delivered more than 10,000 babies and performed more than 30,000 surgeries throughout his career. In 2011, Gov. Beverly Perdue recognized Dr. Moore with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his exemplary service to the community for going above and beyond the call of duty and making a significant impact in strengthening Western North Carolina for more than 50 years.
The Town of Fletcher will honor veterans at 9 a.m. with a Virtual Veterans Day Salute on the town's website. The salute will be professionally recorded and include keynote speakers Private First Class Stephen Henderson of the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force Lt. Ron Toler.

The Agudas Israel Congregation Brotherhood Annual Veterans Day Ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. The temple will dedicate new additions to its Veterans Walk and remember all who have served. A Color Guard from American Legion Post # 77 will present the colors. Veterans will fold the flag under direction of Lonnie Darr (USMC, USCG). The names of Agudas Israel veterans will be read. Rabbi Rachel Jackson will conclude the service.