Community Pauses to Honor Service and Sacrifice of Veterans

November 10, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

Members of a grateful community paused Friday morning at the county complex and later downtown Smithville to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans.

The program, hosted by the American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary Post 122, featured as keynote speaker, Dr. Patrick S. McClellan, Homeless Veterans Chair and Boys State Coordinator for the American Legion Department of Tennessee.

“Today as we gather to commemorate Veterans Day, we stand on the hallowed ground of gratitude paying tribute to the men and women who have stood on the front lines of freedom and who have with their sacrifices woven the fabrics of the nation’s history. In a quiet moment of reflection, we find ourselves surrounded by the echoes of their courage and resilience. Veteran’s Day is a reminder that freedom comes at a cost, and it is the brave souls in uniform willing to shoulder that burden,” said Dr. McClellan.

“From the earliest days of our nation to the present, these individuals have answered the call of duty with unwavering resolve and embodied the values that define the spirit of Americans. As we look back on the chapters of history, we find stories etched in the archives of heroism. From the battlefields of the Revolutionary War where patriots fought for the birth of a new nation to the trenches of World War I where soldiers stood united against tyranny, the sacrifices of our veterans have been the cornerstone on which the edifice of liberty rests. In conflicts, these brave men and women faced the unimaginable. They traversed landscapes of uncertainty, their footsteps marking the path toward freedom. The scars of war both visible and hidden bear witness to the trials enduring to the name of the greater cause”.

“Today we honor those who bore the weight of the nation’s aspirations on their shoulders. Veterans Day is not merely a date on the calendar. It is a living testament to the enduing strength of the human spirit. It is a day to recognize that behind every uniform there is a story. A narrative of sacrifice, camaraderie, and unyielding commitment to something greater than oneself. Our veterans are not faces figured in a distance memory. They are our friends, our family, and our neighbors. They also embody the duty of guardians of our shared values. Today we extend our deepest gratitude to the selfless individuals who in time of peace and war have shouldered the responsibilities of safeguarding our way of life”.

“The valor of our veterans extends beyond the battlefield and resonates in the classrooms where they inspire future generations and the communities where they serve as pillars of strength and in the hearts of those who understand that freedom is not free. It is a debt paid in the currency of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment”.

“As we express our gratitude, let us also recognize the challenges that many veterans face upon returning home. The transition from military to civilian life is often a complex journey. One that demands our collective support, mental health and employment opportunities, and community integration and crucial aspects that warrant our attention. It is our duty as a society to ensure that those who have given so much receive the support they deserve in return”.

“Veteran’s Day is a call to action. A call to bridge the gap between civilian and military worlds fostering understanding and empathy. It is an opportunity for each of us to contribute to a culture not only in honor of the sacrifice of our veterans but to be actively engaged in a supportive environment for their continued success”.

“In the words of President John F. Kennedy, as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words but to live by them. Let us express our appreciation through actions that reflect the values our veterans defended and the values of freedom, democracy, and unity”.

“In conclusion, on this Veteran’s Day, let us stand united in gratitude. Let us honor the legacy of our veterans by carrying their stories forward and fostering a society of values, service, sacrifice, and enduring pursuit of a more perfect union. We can continue to support our community beyond this day”.

“Veterans groups, such as the American Legion, provides leadership training to high school students in boys state and girls state oratorical contests. They also support homeless veterans via a specialty license plate that you can order. May we always remember that the flame of freedom burns brightly for the selfless dedication of those who have served and may it inspire us to build a future worthy of their sacrifice. God Bless America and the United States,” said Dr. McClellan.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of colors by the 1377th Bobby Ray Detachment Marine Corps; Pledge of Allegiance led by Susan Hinton; National Anthem and performance by the DCHS Band under the direction of Don Whitt and the DCHS Chorus under the direction of Josh Gulley; and Prayer by Larry Green.

Jerry Hinton, Commander of the American Legion #122, and Adjutant Ronnie Redmon paid tribute to all DeKalb County veterans before Judy Redmon, President of the American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary introduced Dr. McClellan.

During the program DCHS Band and Chorus students were given pins to present to veterans in the audience in honor of their service.

Following the program, the group gathered at the courthouse downtown for the placement of a wreath by Commander Hinton and fellow veterans and prayer by Don Rigsby at the site of the Veterans memorial monument.

The DeKalb County School Transportation Department provided a ride by school bus to veterans from the county complex to the public square for the wreath laying.

Lunch for veterans, their families, officials, and program participants was then served after the ceremony thanks to Senior Citizens Director Pam Redmon; the American Legion Post 122 and Ladies Auxiliary, and the Woodmen of the World represented by Tom Bumbalough and Bill Rutherford.

November 10, 2023
By:

Senior, Ian Colwell, wrapped up his cross country season with a ticket to the Division 1-TSSAA A-AA State Cross Country Championship Meet on Saturday November 4. The race was held at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville. Colwell was joined in support by his parents, grandparents, coach and teammates.

He finished 114th in a talented field of almost 290 runners from across the State. Colwell matched his personal best with a time of 18:27 on a hilly 5K course.

Congratulations to Ian Colwell for representing DCHS Cross Country

November 10, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

The graduation date has been set for the DCHS Class of 2024.

It’ll be Friday, May 10.

The Board of Education made it official during Thursday night’s regular monthly meeting.

In his personnel report, Director of Schools Patrick Cripps said Elizabeth Wright has been granted a leave of absence. In October, Director Cripps announced that Jonathan Jones, David Parker, and Emily Harville had also been granted leave of absence as requested.

Director Cripps also mentioned Veteran’s Day coming up this weekend.

“I want to recognize our veterans. Saturday will be Veterans Day. If you weren’t able to go to Smithville Elementary School and see the program they put on for the Veterans last week you missed something special. It tugs at your heart to see those veterans standing on the stage. We want to recognize those who have served and those who served and were not able to come back home. We thank you and your families for your sacrifices. We also want to thank the men and women who are serving our country today. Its because of what they do that we have the freedom that we have in this country. We are honored and blessed to have them serving us and protecting our rights. I say thank you to all veterans who are serving and have served,” said Director Cripps.

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