Veterans Day celebration service
A moving Veterans Day program, put on jointly by the City of Holly Springs and Marshall County, demonstrated community unity and purpose November 11.
Held at the Eddie Lee Smith Multi-purpose Center on Memphis Street, between 150 to 200 congregated to properly thank United States veterans for their military service in all branches.
The prayerful, joyful, and grateful, program was attended by about 25 local veterans and their families. The Holly Springs High School Choir, directed by Charles Terry Jr. sang during the pinning ceremony.
After a pinning ceremony and distribution of gift bags, the veterans were treated to lunch.
The Holly Springs Fire Department presented the colors and Johnny Walker, National Guard and Army Reserves, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Supervisor Terry Rodgers, who served in the Army National Guard, served as emcee.
He thanked veterans and the families who supported them.
“Together we come together as a community to honor all who serve in the Armed Forces,” Mayor Charles Terry said, in welcoming remarks. “Thank you to the Veterans and their families who supported them.
“We are here to recognize that dedication to our freedom. You serve to assure we live in a land of freedom and justice. We thank you for joining in this special celebration to honor those who served and those who continue to serve our country.”
“At ease, soldiers, to let you know your are among friends,”said supervisor George Zinn III. “Thank you for your service and sacrifice to this country. They answered that call, left everything else behind to respond to that call. It’s something we can’t thank you for enough. The families were left defenseless to fend for themselves in many cases. We love you veterans and appreciate your sacrifice.”
Vietnam veteran Enoch Lester offered prayers for those who continue to serve.
“We all strive to create a world of peace. Bless everyone who put their life on the line for somebody else,” Lester prayed.
Stephanie Shipp, daughter of the late Vietnam veteran Albert Shipp, read Scripture from John 15:13 -- “Greater Love hath no man than he lay down his life for his friends.”
Glen Faulkner played the Star Spangled Banner on Saxophone.
Wanda Vereen, Sgt. Major, U.S. Army, spoke for U.S. Army Veteran Derrick Marion Vereen, and honored graduates of the Class of 1980.
She said of those who served our country, “they are the best of us.” She thanked both past and present veterans and future veterans, as well.
Vereen celebrated women who serve in all different aspects of the military.
“When the males deploy, we deploy,” she said.
Nathan Holloway, U.S. Army, sang “I am going home with Jesus.” Lillie Collins-Alford, wife of the late James Alford, who served in Panama in the canal zone, was invited by Zinn to give the keynote speech.
She has served on the committee for Operations Stand Down – MidSouth and supports Boots to Beyond, based in Greenville
She has become a champion for the rights and well-being of veterans and their families.
Having family members who also served, Alford said the willingness of ordinary people who served in extraordinary ways made it possible to enjoy freedom.
She said what was called “shell shocked” when she was a child is recognized as post traumatic stress disorder, today.
Her dad served in WWII. She said she was too young to understand her father’s experience.
But in 2015, she was called by a combat veteran who was homeless, along with her children.
Those with PTSD have trouble with employment, due to flashbacks from seeing troops blown up and sometimes having the job of recovering body parts, she said..
“PTSD is real,” she said. “Vets deserve all the support we can give. Don’t pass judgement on a veteran.
May we never forget the price of freedom.”
Stacy Dobbs, who works with veterans with PTSD, said VERTA is building a $100 million center in Southaven to treat veterans with drug addiction and homelessness. Two hundred veterans are being treated at the center and the organization stays with the veteran for life.
Deputy Larry Rankin, U.S. Marines master gunnery sergeant, discussed the importance of veteran benefits, saying injuries take a toll on the body often showing up later in life.
He emphasized the importance of documentation to get benefits and free home health care.
“You served your country. Let the VA serve you,” Rankin said.