A large crowd gathered on the Clarke County Courthouse lawn on November 11 as Clarke County VFW Post 4982 held its annual Veterans Day Program to honor those who have served over the years.
Once the colors were presented, District 4 Commander Mary Ann Hollingsworth lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance before Quarter Master Charles Morgan opened with prayer and sang the National Anthem. J.G. Kufel welcomed everyone and thanked some of the elected officials for coming. Among the elected officials in the county who attended the event were Supervisor Paul Mosley, Supervisor Scott Evans, Circuit Clerk Sally Wedgeworth, Stonewall Alderman Jerry Rich, and State Representative Troy Smith.
Charles Morgan then gave a speech honoring all veterans:
“Today, we pay tribute to our military veterans, to those who have been lost but also to those that are still with us. By wearing their uniform, their pride has been shown. By them reciting the Oath of Enlistment, lives have been shaped and changed. Through their bravery and courage but also their willingness in performing their duty, our veterans have changed our lives as well. Throughout the decades, our military has stood at the gate against tyranny defending our nation. Fighting and dying for the values our forefathers built this nation upon; we show honor to them today. For immeasurable achievements, their bravery and valor have been shown unquestionable. Amid campaigns, multiple battles and countless war zones, even within the day-to-day hostile dangerous situations our military veterans perform their duty. Whether these are on the frontline or behind the line fighting to get supplies through, keeping the moral up for his fellow brothers in arms.
Our forces are strong, and honor is due them. The soldiers of the Army stand ready at a moments call to “this we’ll defend.” Those of our sailors in our Navy on the seas protecting waters around our country. And the airmen of the Air Force protecting the skies above our land. And finally the Marine Corp who are the first in last out. Semper fi. We will always honor and remember you for doing that which was asked of you. While risk to life and limb was present, our veterans performed their duties. Putting mission first and pushing through hardships and pain until it was completed. For that which you undertook to do and in so doing. We say thank you. Many have risked it all for fellow comrades and country. Sometimes our losses are heavy, but they never gave up.
With each war or conflict, we pray it will be the last we must endure. Many times, the fight is long, hard, and difficult. But we know that right will prevail beyond it. It takes our national vision, determination and belief that ultimate victory will be on the side of freedom and democracy. We will prevail because of the sacrifices made by the men and women of our military. This cause becomes stronger and our conviction more certain, with the victory over fear and repression more urgent. It is our veterans’ contributions and their demonstrations who have shown us all what courage looks like when we stand for what we believe in while under oath. For those who have fallen, they are not forgotten. Whether that be on distant lands or seas. We remember those who have made the supreme sacrifice for the love of their country. And we are beyond grateful for their service to our great land. But their sacrifice should lead and guide us to continue forward to the goal. As we pick up the banner, our determination to achieve victory is always going to be greater because we remember those that fell.
Those who have worn the uniform have placed their nation’s security before their own lives. The freedom and democracy that is enjoyed in our society is very often taken for granted. Rights and liberties were not automatic, but we as a young nation fought for these very ideas. We owe our veterans a debt of thanks and gratitude for what they have done for us. Liberty is the burden that they carried within themselves, and our current day military still carry this burden today. But do we as a society truly understand how heavy a burden this term liberty truly is?
We as the people of the United States of America have something that is special. It’s unique, and it’s worthy of great protection. We must learn from its past mistakes, or they will have all died in vain. We have been shown how precious life is, and for their sake we must use all our diplomacy, our reserves, to protect it. We must remember that war is not only about the flags flying, but it’s also about the bodies draped in flags. But rest assured that if or when we must go to war, this great country’s military will not be wanting. They will follow the example of those we are honoring here today. May God bless our military personnel here and around the whole, our veterans, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.”
After the speech, J.G. Kufel asked all veterans in attendance to step forward so they could be recognized and honored for their service to this country.
Charles Morgan then sang a special song, “Letters From Home.”
Once the song ended, J.G. Kufel then asked for Gold Star families to step forward so that they could be recognized for enduring the ultimate sacrifice of losing a family member to a war.
Glenda Dearman then sang “God Bless the USA” before the VFW Post 4982 Auxiliary members ceremoniously carried the wreath and placed it in front of the memorial. Once the wreath was placed, the flag was lowered to half-staff as Taps was played, and a 21-gun salute shortly followed before the event ended with a closing prayer.
Thank you for your service to all the veterans who have so graciously given so much for this country!
