The men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom were honored in a special Veterans Day program Tuesday morning at the DeKalb County Complex auditorium.
The observance featured performances of patriotic music by members of the DeKalb County High School Chorus and Band, a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, and a keynote address by Norman J. Nuismer, Middle Tennessee Vice-Commander of the American Legion.
“Have you ever thought about the five reasons why we are here today? The United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Those are the five reasons. It’s important to remember that veterans are defending us 365 days a year. Heroism has been demonstrated time and again by veterans from the American Revolution to the Global War on Terrorism. Our debt to these veterans can never be repaid but our gratitude and respect must last forever. Veterans have given us freedom, security, and the greatest nation on earth. It’s impossible to put a price on that. We must remember them. We must appreciate them. God bless our veterans and God bless America,” said Nuismer during his remarks.
Boy Scout Troop 347 presented flags to start the program followed by a prayer and a pledge to the flag. Several local veterans attended the observance and were applauded as they were asked to stand and be recognized.
At the conclusion of the program, veterans boarded a school bus for a ride downtown to the site of the veterans memorial monument, escorted by city police and fire departments and county deputies. Local minister Larry Green offered a closing prayer and State Representative Weaver led the attendees in singing God Bless America.
Veterans then boarded the bus again and were taken back to the county complex for a delicious Veteran’s Day meal served by Senior Citizens and the local chapter of Woodmen of the World.