New Bern is resplendent with memorable history. After all, it was the site of the first state capitol building, Tryon Palace. With all my time spent around town, I thought I had a good grasp on my adopted hometown. Two upcoming events made me realize, there are new history lessons to be made.

Healing for the Future

Wall-that-heals-New-Bern

The Wall That Heals will be in New Bern, April 8-11.

We are so fortunate that New Bern is home to veterans of all branches of military service. However, you do not need to be a veteran to appreciate the significance of The Wall That Heals, a mobile replica (created at 75% of actual size) of Washington, D.C.’s Vietnam War Memorial. Twenty-five years ago, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund created the replica, designed to travel to communities throughout the United States. Since its dedication, The Wall That Heals has been displayed at nearly 700 communities throughout the nation, spreading the Memorial’s healing legacy to millions. Beginning April 8, the Wall replica will be on display for three days at Lawson Creek Park. Be sure to visit this incredible tribute to those who lost their lives and to those who are in the healing process. Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus Assembly 1820, American Legion 539 and many volunteer efforts to earn New Bern a host location.

A Nod to the Past

In New Bern, we love our tours, whether they be ghostly, informative or even both. We can always count on the New Bern Historical Society for providing new insight to the history of our town. For Friday and Saturday, April 9 and 10, New Bern Battlefield Park, site of the 1862 Battle of New Bern, is host to an intriguing new storytelling event. The Hallowed Ground Lantern Tour takes you on a one-hour, lantern-lit guided walk through the wooded battlefield trails. “Real” characters from New Bern’s Civil War past will share their inspirational stories of courage and conviction. For details, click here.

While these two events are dramatically different, they are two additional examples of why New Bern is where it all comes together. We come together in times of celebration, community need and remembrance. Above all, New Bern comes together with community spirit.