Thousands paid tribute to veterans in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte welcomed thousands of Vietnam veterans and their families from across the country Saturday.  The veterans were honored during Charlotte's first "Welcome Home" celebration. 

A replica of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial is expected to be the highlight of the event.

A caravan of motorcycles escorted the memorial down interstate 85 Thursday.

This created quite an unexpected buzz in Charlotte.

See a slideshow of the caravan

The event was a celebration honoring the veterans for their service to the U.S.

The celebration included concerts and patriotic displays.  


Event Schedule

9:00 a.m. Spectator Gates 1, 2, 3, 4, 5A, 8 Open
10:45 a.m. Rolling Thunder Entrance onto Track
11:00 a.m. Opening Ceremonies Begin, North Stage
11:10 a.m. Unveiling of special military salute paint scheme on the No. 48 Lowe's Chevy
12:20 p.m. Rockie Lynne Concert from, South Stage
1:15 p.m. 2nd Marine Air Wing Band Performs, South Stage
2:25 p.m.George Clinton & the Parliament Funkadelics, North Stage
3:15 p.m. Charlie Daniels, South Stage
4:15 p.m. Final Thank You and Closing Remarks


One local veteran explained that the memorial will help many veterans heal.

WSOC