Veterans’ Appreciation Day Held
Veteran’s Appreciation Day was held Saturday on the Monticello Square, hosted by the American Legion Post 110. A flag raising was held about 9 a.m., and Kelsey Lucas sang the national anthem, then a parade took place at noon.
Beginning at 1 p.m. was a program in honor of the veterans. Monticello City Councilman Larry Thurman welcomed everyone to the third annual day. A special welcome went to the grand marshalls of the parade, the Korean War veterans Howard A. Smith and Jerry Williamson and World War II veteran, Gene Allen Craven.
Commander Billy Johnson then introduced the outgoing Legion commander Fred Paul who said small town America loves its vetarans. He said it was a great day in Monticello, and a great day for veterans.
He then introduced Billy Johnson, who was installed as commander of Post 110 last Thursday.
Mr. Johnson talked about military service and being a veteran, and said let no one question what they are worth. Out veterans are the best on earth, he said.
State Rep. Susan Holmes said shew as honored to be a part of the appreciation day, and ghat every day should be veterans’ appreciation day. She talked about being born during World War II, and thanked the Legion for leading this initiative.
Terry Moore, the 10th District Commander for the American Legion then shared some facts about the Korean War.
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(This is the third veterans’ appreciation day held here, and the first year spotlighted World War II vets, the second year the female veterans, and this year, the Korean veterans are in the spotlight.)
He said the Korean war began June 25, 1950, and ended July 27, 1953. America spent $67 billion on the war, he said. He said 1,000 Americans were killed each month during the war.
After his remarks, those present were told about the MIA/POW table that was on display. It is a place of dignity and honor, explained Mr. Johnson. He told of the items on the table, from the lemon on the plate which was there for the bitter fate of those soldiers, the salt, which is for the tears, and a candle, the light of hope. He then read a veterans poem.
Pat Buchanan talked about freedom, how important it is, and how America is sought after because of our freedom.
Cissy Benton led the crowd in singing God Bless America. At the end of the program, the Legion held a flag burning ceremony to properly dispose of worn flags. When the ceremony began, Sandra Shockley and Les Steele played a duet of Taps, then each flag was saluted by members of the color guard, then burned.
