Veterans’ Day

If you had occasion to drive east out of Monticello on Hwy. 16, you may have noticed all of the white cross markers on the lawn of the Monticello American Legion Post 110 headquarters. Each of these markers represent a veteran, some have died in action, some from old age, most saw some action in a war or a conflict.

My father has a marker out there, James William McCarter, Sr., U.S. Army. He served from 1940 to the end of World War II in 1945. The war left an indelible mark on his life and memory. He always stood a bit taller when he saw the American flag unfurled or carried by and always had misty eyes when he heard the National Anthem.

Thank goodness for our veterans, those who willingly went where ordered to defend our freedoms or served on the home front or overseas during peace time. Whether we always agree on the content or meaning of these wars or conflicts, the United States has always had men and women who rose to the call.

Yesterday, Veterans Day, our little travel group was in New York City where we observed the largest Veterans Day parade in the United States. 25,000 veterans marched up 5th Avenue on November 11 starting at 11:11 a.m. The significance of this date and time was the ending of World War I in 1918.

year the parade honored the United States Navy and the grand marshall was a World War II Navy veteran who survived attacks by German and Japanese aircraft.

The day was set aside to honor all veterans. So, if you are a veteran, thank you for your service and if you know a veteran, then remember to thank them regardless of the day.

If you would like to add a remembrance marker for a veteran, please call Don Jernigan, 706-468-9363.