“Whereas Captain Fred M. Hall is an outstanding son of Haywood Country, having lived most of his life here, impressing all those who knew him with his high moral fiber, devotion to God, love of his family, his friends, and a willingness to help others in times of need and love for these mountains of Western North Carolina … now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Waynesville Town Council that the week of October 8 through October 14, 2023 is Fred Hall Week,” reads a proclamation signed by Mayor Gary Caldwell on Oct. 7.

Hall, a native of Waynesville, did not return from a combat mission on April 12, 1969. Hall served as a navigator on an F-4 Phantom and was listed as missing in action until earlier this year, when his remains were formally identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

Language in the proclamation is nearly identical to that of a similar resolution declaring Oct. 11-18, 1974, as Fred Hall Week.

On Oct. 8, Hall’s remains will arrive at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport before escort back to Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville. Arrival at the airport is tentatively scheduled for 1:30 p.m., making Hall’s return to Waynesville likely around 4 p.m. Those who wish to welcome Hall home are encouraged to gather near Wells Funeral Home on North Main Street.

On Oct. 10, Hall will be laid to rest at Waynesville’s historic Green Hill Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at Hall’s church, First Presbyterian, at 11 a.m. The service is open to the public, but capacity is limited. After the service, a procession will escort Hall down Main Street to the cemetery for a graveside service. That service is also open to the public.