Despite a forecast of rain, Orangeburg’s Veterans Day program and Veterans Memorial Park dedication ceremony are scheduled to go on as planned.

The remnants of Tropical Storm Ida were forecast to bring rains to Orangeburg Wednesday, but city officials Tuesday said there were no plans to cancel, postpone or relocate the 11 a.m. ceremony.

The rain chance today is about 90 percent, with the precipitation expected to fall off by the evening.

The new park, which is located on Riverside Drive across from the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce, has been about 10 years in the making. City officials and many veterans have anticipated its opening.

“We are going forward, rain or shine,” Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller said. “Hopefully the weather will cooperate.”

Miller said there are plans to have tents up for the program speakers and for attendees.

A portion of Riverbank Drive near the monument will be blocked off during the ceremony.

The featured speaker is legendary aviator Lt. Gen. E.G. “Buck” Shuler Jr.

The 73-year-old Orangeburg High School and Citadel graduate and now retired officer, flew 107 combat missions as an F-4C aircraft commander and flight leader with the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing at Cam Ranh Bay in South Vietnam.

Parking for the dedication ceremony will be available in the upper and lower parking lots of Edisto Memorial Gardens.

The only access to these parking areas will be at the intersection of Amelia Street and the Seaboard Street.

Shuttles will be available for those who need assistance in getting to and from the Veterans Memorial Park.

The park was constructed using $375,000 in penny tax revenues -- $250,000 from the city and $125,000 from the county.

O’Cain Construction worked on the project. West Summers was its architect.

Bricks may also be purchased for $100 with order forms available at City Hall, the Parks and Recreation Department and the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about the shuttle or how to purchase a brick, individuals are encouraged to call the Parks and Recreation Department at 803-533-6020.

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