Veterans were shown just how special they truly are with events throughout Erath County on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11.
Dublin ISD
Dublin High School hosted veterans Jim Pack (U.S. Navy), Wayne Johnson (U.S. Air Force), Jacob Carpenter (U.S. Navy) and Crystal Moreno (U.S Army) Monday, Nov. 11 in a special assembly in the Neff Gym.
They were escorted into the gym by cheerleaders and flanked by members of the Dublin Dandi-Lions drill team. Major Johnson spoke about the history of military service in America, the meaning of being a veteran and the tenets he said brings people to serve their country: faith, family, the flag and freedom.
Pack followed the address by speaking about the oath service men and women take when they agree to fight for their country and encouraged those in attendance to thank a veteran for being willing to pledge so much for the freedom of all. The Sound of Dublin played the National Anthem and TAPS was played by trumpeters David Nava and Morgan Keith.
Cheerleader Bailey Watson started the ceremony with an invocation while Isabella Velasquez and Wendy Calderon led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance to the US Flag and Texas flags. Sydney Master introduced each of the veterans and NavaLee White read a brief biography of Johnson before his address.
Erath Courthouse
At the Erath County Courthouse, American Legion Post No. 240 – Turnbow-Higgs hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony with hundreds in attendance. The program began at 10:30 a.m. and concluded at 11 a.m. to coincide with the signing of the World War I Armistice on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, ending the war with Germany.
Master of Ceremonies was Post 240 Commander Keith Fredrickson. The Texan Corps of Cadets and ROTC Color Guard proudly participated in the ceremony by posting the colors and a rifle salute.
Citizens gladly participated in saying the Pledge of Allegiance and sung the National Anthem. During the ceremony, veterans from all wars and conflicts were recognized with a large number of Vietnam Veterans in attendance. 100-year-old World War II veteran Guy Marble was in attendance and received a special round of applause for his service.
The ceremony included remarks by Veteran and Guest Speaker Brenda Guise.
“I think of my dad who joined the military when he was 18-years-old and snuck in his 16-year-old brother ... yes my Uncle got caught but not until after boot camp,” Guise said to a round of laughter. “This was during World War II when there was a terrific call to arms. Every American was ready and willing and my dad and uncle were no exceptions.”
She said it was fitting that Veterans Day was so close to Election Day because of all the veterans that have preserved American’s right to vote and the Constitution. However, today only 5% of American adults are veterans compared to 1980 when 18% were. Today, Active Duty service members comprise ½ of 1 percent of the U.S. population.
“Our freedom is not free. It comes with a price and must be protected,” Guise said. “Our message to all veterans is simple. We thank you for your service and we will never forget you.”