November 11, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
Members of a grateful community gathered Monday morning at the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center to honor military service men and women in a Veterans Day ceremony hosted by American Legion Post #122.
John Davis, Middle Tennessee Vice Commander of the American Legion was guest speaker at the observance.
“Most Americans profess to truly love our veterans especially at gatherings like this on Veterans Day and Memorial Day and while their feelings are usually sincere its important to remember that veterans are defending us 365 days a year. Their heroism has been demonstrated time and again from the American Revolution to the global war on terrorism and we enjoy the security and sacrifice they have provided,” said Davis
“Our debt to these heroes can never be paid but our gratitude and respect must last forever. For many veterans our nation was important enough to endure long separations from their families, miss the birth of their children, freeze in sub zero temperatures, bake in wild jungles, lose limbs, and far too often lose their lives,” Davis continued.
DCHS Chorus performs at Veterans Day observance from dwayne page on Vimeo.
“Warriors need advocates and that is why the American Legion exists. We are here to serve veterans, their families, and our communities. Veterans need each other but more importantly our country needs our veterans. Its often said that without our veterans Americans today would be speaking Russian, German, or perhaps Japanese. Regardless of which view of alternate history you take, we do know that without our veterans, America would not be what it is today,” said Davis.
DCHS Band at Veteran’s Day Observance from dwayne page on Vimeo.
“Those who defend us from our enemies must be supported whether their service is in Baghdad or Beirut we need to serve veterans as well as they serve us even when the guns have temporarily stopped firing. Veterans don’t ask for much. They do not want to be a special class but benefits for them are a mere drop in the bucket compared to the financial and human cost of a war and while not all veterans see war all who serve in the military have expressed a willingness to fight when being called to do so. You can show your support for these great men and women by hiring them in your local workplace, visiting veterans in a VA hospital, or donating to a veteran program,” added Davis.
“Fewer than 10% of Americans can claim the title of veteran and far less than 1% of our population is currently defending us in the global war on terror and yet many seem intent on balancing the federal budget by diminishing the quality of programs designed for the families who have already disproportionately paid for these sacrifices. Veterans have given us freedom and security and the greatest nation on earth. It is impossible to put a price on that. We must remember and appreciate them,” Davis concluded.
The program began with a performance by the DCHS Chorus and Band and the audience joining in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Local minister and veteran Don Rigsby opened with prayer and Legion Commander William Edmonds made welcoming remarks. Judy Redmon, President of the Ladies Auxiliary introduced the guest speaker and Adjutant Ronnie Redmon closed the program.
Afterwards, veterans boarded a school bus where local law enforcement and firefighters led the motorcade in parade fashion from the Life Enrichment Center to the Public Square for the placement of a wreath by the veterans at the memorial monument on the grounds of the courthouse. Local minister Larry Green led the benediction and Josh Moon blew taps to bring the day’s observance to a close.
Veterans and other program participants were then treated to a lunch.