Military Opening Ceremony

Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn Opening Ceremony:

The Opening Ceremony for the tenth anniversary of the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn presented by Kia Motors is set for 7:25 Friday morning, October 12th, on the first tee of the Jones Course.  During that ceremony, the tournament will salute the men and women of our armed forces, active and retired.  Pre-ceremony music will be provided by the Newton-Conover High School band.  The ceremony will feature 4 senior Non-Commissioned Officers representing the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Air Force.  The service colors and the U.S. flag will be presented by a joint military service color guard manned by area high school JROTC programs.  World Golf Hall of Fame member and Champions Tour golfer Larry Nelson, himself a Vietnam veteran, will participate in a flag-raising ceremony with the Newton-Conover High School JROTC flag detail.  The ceremony will conclude with the playing of the National Anthem and the retirement of the colors.  Official tournament play begins when the first tee shot is struck at 7:50 a.m.  The opening ceremony and military salute is open to tournament attendees and members of the media.