Area Veterans Organizations Sponsor Annual Event
By Sid Riley
By Sid Riley
God held back the oncoming rains on Monday morning because he knew something important was in process on the lawn of the Jackson County Court House in Marianna. It was the annual Memorial Day tribute sponsored by area Veterans Organizations in remembrance of fallen soldiers who died in defense of our freedoms, as well as paying tributes of gratitude to all who served a portion of their lives for our common good.
In the interlude before the official program began, Royce Reagan played a CD of a stirring patriotic march he wrote several years ago, entitled “The 144th Transportation Company’s March”, which was played by the Marianna High School Band, and recorded as the unit deployed for Iraq.
The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Commander Enoch Williams of Chapter #22 of the Disabled American Veterans. He welcomed the crowd of approximately one hundred citizens who had come to the early morning ceremony. Invocation was given by Bishop Daniel Sims following the opening remarks.
Next came the “Posting of the colors” by the local veterans group known as ‘The Buffalo Soldiers”. They ceremoniously placed the U.S. Flag and two other commemorative flags in position in the front speaker’s area. With the flag in place, the crowd then recited the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Gene Peacock of the DAV.
“America was then masterfully sung by the “Bruner Sisters” duet, Brooke and Kaleigh Bruner. Then our Supervisor of Elections, Sylvia Stephens, thrilled the audience with her rendition of a musical collage of patriotic songs.
The Buffalo Soldiers then placed a ceremonial wreath on the Confederate Memorial Monument while the Sneads American Legion honor guard placed a ceremonial wreath on the World Wars of the 20th Century Memorial Monument.
With the opening pageantry completed, Commander Williams introduced the guest speaker, Retired Air Force Major “Cap” Pooser. His presentation stirred the crowd as with tear filled eyes he spoke of his love for the country, the deep appreciation we all feel for our forefathers and defenders of our freedoms, and the 1.5 million soldiers who have given their lives in past conflicts in defense of our nation. He recognized the services of all veterans, quoting “Some have Given All, All have Given Some”.
As the event began to approach its conclusion, Commander Williams presented several plaques of appreciation to those who had participated in the program, on behalf of the membership of the DAV and its Auxiliary.
The Benediction was delivered by Bishop Daniel Sims, the Sneads American Legion Honor Guard gave a gun salute, Bill Sellers played a stirring rendition of “Taps”, and Commander Williams thanked everyone for coming….then the rains began to fall.
In the interlude before the official program began, Royce Reagan played a CD of a stirring patriotic march he wrote several years ago, entitled “The 144th Transportation Company’s March”, which was played by the Marianna High School Band, and recorded as the unit deployed for Iraq.
The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Commander Enoch Williams of Chapter #22 of the Disabled American Veterans. He welcomed the crowd of approximately one hundred citizens who had come to the early morning ceremony. Invocation was given by Bishop Daniel Sims following the opening remarks.
Next came the “Posting of the colors” by the local veterans group known as ‘The Buffalo Soldiers”. They ceremoniously placed the U.S. Flag and two other commemorative flags in position in the front speaker’s area. With the flag in place, the crowd then recited the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Gene Peacock of the DAV.
“America was then masterfully sung by the “Bruner Sisters” duet, Brooke and Kaleigh Bruner. Then our Supervisor of Elections, Sylvia Stephens, thrilled the audience with her rendition of a musical collage of patriotic songs.
The Buffalo Soldiers then placed a ceremonial wreath on the Confederate Memorial Monument while the Sneads American Legion honor guard placed a ceremonial wreath on the World Wars of the 20th Century Memorial Monument.
With the opening pageantry completed, Commander Williams introduced the guest speaker, Retired Air Force Major “Cap” Pooser. His presentation stirred the crowd as with tear filled eyes he spoke of his love for the country, the deep appreciation we all feel for our forefathers and defenders of our freedoms, and the 1.5 million soldiers who have given their lives in past conflicts in defense of our nation. He recognized the services of all veterans, quoting “Some have Given All, All have Given Some”.
As the event began to approach its conclusion, Commander Williams presented several plaques of appreciation to those who had participated in the program, on behalf of the membership of the DAV and its Auxiliary.
The Benediction was delivered by Bishop Daniel Sims, the Sneads American Legion Honor Guard gave a gun salute, Bill Sellers played a stirring rendition of “Taps”, and Commander Williams thanked everyone for coming….then the rains began to fall.
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