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ZEBULON - On November 11, 2016, the Pike County American Legion Family hosted the Pike County Veterans Day Program at the south side of the Pike County Courthouse Square in Zebulon, Georgia. Over 100 people came out to this event on the Courthouse Square.
The Veterans Day Program recognized and honord America’s military Veterans, extended our Nation’s appreciation, and paid tribute all deceased Veterans. Highlights of the Program included the multi-organizational (Sheriff’s Office and Veterans) Color Guard posting of the Color and National Anthem sung by Rebekah Hanson.
The Color Guard was composed Sergeant Chris Laggis, United States Marine Corps; Specialist Schyler Coffer, United States Army; Staff Sergeant Zack Garner, United States Air Force; Specialist Joe Fritz, United States Army of the Pike County Sheriff's Office; and Airman 2nd Class Jim Totten of Post 197 Honor Guard.
SFC (Retired) Douglas “Ed” Jones was honored. He is a combat Veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Ed's grandson Kris Pope read Ed’s military biography to the crowd and Ed was presented with a shadow box that showed his career from the beginning back in 1944 when he entered the Army. He served for 22 years in the Army and participated in three wars. He is now a veteran of 44 years.
This was an opportunity for the community to say “Thank you” and show our appreciation to current active duty military and Veterans past and present for defending the freedoms that we enjoy today. "Veterans Day is about reflection and a time to show appreciation or merely say thank you to those who have served our country," said Pike Post 197 Commander Bryan Richardson.
A wreath was also laid at the Veteran's Memorial by Hestor Jones, wife of SFC (Retired) Ed Jones, and SFC (Retired) Robert Huckaby, Sgt of Arms for Post 197. The Jones celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary before this ceremony. Commander Richardson said that this was a good choice considering that the hardest job in the military is said to be that of the military spouse. Spouses of military veterans and active duty military were honored for their support of their service members. The wreath was laid "in honor of all deceased Veterans who served honorably and faithfully in the defense of our nation."
Commander Richardson encouraged those in attendance to get out and find “your Veteran” and say thank you. "They are at the nursing homes, the grocery stores, next door and in your own neighborhood. They are the Sheriff’s office deputy who gave you a warning ticket for speeding because of a Semper Fi sticker on your bumper, the lady who salutes the U.S. flag in her yard while getting the mail, or the man on the Harley with the US flag flying on the back, or your co-worker or your boss." He said that it may make them feel awkward, but thank them anyway because they need and deserve it. He also pointed out that they they have great stories and wisdom to share that can help us learn about our history and about ourselves.
Click here to view last year's ceremony.
Photo courtesy of John Ellis.
Photo courtesy of John Ellis.
Photo courtesy of John Ellis.
Photo courtesy of John Ellis.