This October, Moore County native Aulden Raby, looked all smiles as members of Quilts of Valor wrapped a warm, homemade quilt around his shoulders and honored his service in World War II. On Saturday, he’ll once again be honored as he rides in the annual Lynchburg Christmas Parade as the Grand Marshall.

Born in the Charity community of Moore County to Willis and Lorina Raby, Aulden Raby enlisted in the Army in 1944. U.S troops and their allies were fighting the Nazi’s in Germany and beyond and D-Day saw 155,000 allied troops land on the beaches of Normandy.

“At the time, it was pretty much expected of a young man,” says Mr. Raby of his decision to enlist. “But I felt the need to serve our country.”

He trained in Washington State and then headed overseas to places like France and Germany. By late 1945, the Axis collapsed and America and her allies claimed victory. Soon, Aulden Raby would return home.

Back home, he’d do what most men his age would do … get married and settle down. He and his wife had four children: Ronnie Raby, Connie (Raby) Taylor, Janice (Raby) Brown, and Virginia (Raby) Bracey. Eventually eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren would come along.

Mr. Raby says it’s an honor to be recognized for his service and sacrifice by his community. He’s looking forward to serving as the Grand Marshall on Saturday and has a full day of activities planned around it.

You can meet Aulden Raby at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at a Meet and Greet held at Diamond Gussett on the Lynchburg Square. The Christmas Parade will begin at 2 p.m. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}