CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Wednesday marks North Carolina's Wounded Heroes Day.
Over the weekend, with the help of the Independence Fund, wounded veterans from across North Carolina and the country came together to be honored in the fourth annual Wounded Heroes Day.
In 2021, the General Assembly of North Carolina enacted House Bill 138 to establish an annual Wounded Heroes Day on April 24 in honor of Sgt. Michael Verardo.
On April 24, 2010, Sgt. Michael Verardo was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) while serving in Afghanistan. He lost his left leg and part of his left arm, had a traumatic brain injury and was severely burned.
Sgt. Michael Verardo was honored at the ceremony at Weddington Methodist Church over the weekend, and his wife Sarah Verardo spoke. She is now the CEO of the Independence Fund.
Marcus Luttrell, a decorated Navy SEAL and co-author of "Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10," was a guest speaker. Additionally, Gary Sinise -- known for playing Lieutenant Dan Taylor in "Forrest Gump" -- and the Lt. Dan Band also performed for the veterans during the event.
Contact Sarah French at Sarah@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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