RALEIGH, N.C., May 27, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- During a special Memorial Day Observance to honor our Country's military personnel, State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) representatives and SECU Foundation officials gathered on the deck of the USS Battleship NORTH CAROLINA in Wilmington to announce a $3 million SECU Foundation grant for the construction of a walkway that will surround the Battleship – the SECU Memorial Walkway. Numerous military and State dignitaries, including North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, spoke at the Memorial Day Observance attended by a large crowd of supporters and local officials. SECU Foundation Board Chair McKinley Wooten delivered the grant announcement and presented the check to the USS Battleship NORTH CAROLINA on behalf of State Employees' Credit Union members who fund the SECU Foundation. The Walkway will provide greater access to the iconic landmark known as the Immortal Showboat, and will pay tribute to the Battleship's historical significance and memories of the many North Carolina veterans who served in World War II.
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Captain Terry Bragg, Executive Director for the Battleship, stated, "The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is honored and humbled by the overwhelming support – our largest donation received in the capital campaign. Representing nearly 2 million members, SECU Foundation's generous donation for the construction of the SECU Memorial Walkway will be a great recognition to the service and sacrifice of all veterans."
Jim Barber, U.S. Navy veteran and immediate past Chair of the SECU Foundation, shared his sentiments. "As a proud Navy veteran, this project holds a special place in my heart and I couldn't be more thrilled that my fellow members are providing $3 million to build the SECU Memorial Walkway. The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA holds the stories of many North Carolina veterans who fought for our Country's freedoms, and this Walkway will honor the legacy of this World War II Memorial for years to come."
"It was an honor to be part of the Memorial Day service that took place on the deck of the USS Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, in the presence of where so many World War II veterans served their Country," said McKinley Wooten. "The spirit, compassion and commitment of SECU members for our State's veterans is demonstrated through the funding of the SECU Memorial Walkway. This Walkway will represent a path to lead future generations back in time to learn the significance the USS Battleship NORTH CAROLINA holds for our great State and Country."
About SECU and the SECU Foundation
A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for close to 77 years. With 1.9 million members, SECU provides services through 254 branch offices, 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Contact Centers and a website, www.ncsecu.org . The SECU Foundation, a 501c (3) charitable organization funded solely by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare and human services.
G. Mark Twisdale, Executive Director Office: 919-839-5562 |
