The men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom were honored in a special Veterans Day program Friday morning at the DeKalb County Complex auditorium sponsored by the American Legion Post 122 and Ladies Auxiliary.
The observance featured performances of patriotic music by Susan Hinton and Alan Watt, members of the DeKalb County High School Chorus under the direction of Josh Gulley, and the DCHS Band under the direction of Trent Luna.
Members of Boy Scout Troop 347 presented the colors and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Local minister Larry Green read scripture and offered a prayer. Commander William Edmonds and Adjutant Ronnie Redmon, Sr. recognized local veterans and special guests and Ladies Auxiliary President Judy Redmon introduced guest speaker Sergeant Major (Retired) Becky George, Army National Guard. After the program, veterans boarded a school bus and were escorted from the county complex to downtown Smithville by Sheriff Patrick Ray and Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker and members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department. The veterans then placed a wreath at the Veterans Memorial Monument outside the courthouse. Josh Moon blew taps on his trumpet to bring the ceremony to a close.
Veterans and other guests were then treated to lunch back at the county complex.
County Mayor Tim Stribling expressed his appreciation to the American Legion POST 122 and Ladies Auxiliary, the DCHS Band and Chorus, Susan Hinton, to Pam Redmon of the Smithville Senior Center and Regina Wilhite and Woodmen of the World and to the veterans themselves for their service to our country.
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