With the official red ribbon snipped, the East Flat Rock Readiness Center for the N.C. Army National Guard was officially reopened Saturday after being closed since the end of 2010.

Major Gen. Gregory Lusk, adjutant general for the N.C. National Guard, spoke briefly before the ribbon cutting, praising the commitment of the 12,000 citizen soldiers of the Guard. Local dignitaries attended including Flat Rock Mayor Bob Staton, State Rep. Chuck McGrady and Henderson County Commissioners Chairman Tommy Thompson.

"One of our stated missions is to add value to our communities, so this (facility) is available for use to the community," Lusk said.