Pre-Veterans Day ceremony held to honor servicemen and women of Morgan County community

story by stephanie johns
photos by jesse walker

Morgan County veterans were honored Friday morning with a program titled “Veterans Day: Honoring All Who Served” at the Morgan County High School Gymnasium.
Cadet 2nd Lt. Dakota Shelton spoke about pride: pride in the service and pride in our veterans.
“You can have pride in different things,” he said. “You can have pride in your country. Pride in your branch of service, regardless of what it is, regardless of the job that you did.”
He said there are two kinds of pride: the good kind and the excessive kind.
“Pride is the certain thing that you get when you earn something,” he said. “Our veterans sacrificed many things: themselves, their lives, personal freedoms for all of us here today.”
Cadet Lt. Col. Benjamin Scoggins spoke about self-sacrifice.
“This morning we have heroes among us,” he said. “They are our role models.”
He urged those present to seek out and thank veterans and then learn from them.
“Look at how they sacrificed everything,” he said. “Next time you don’t want to help somebody else, think of what they did for you.”
The MCHS AFJROTC, Band, and Chorus, as well as members of American Legion, Calvin George Post 37, participated in the event. Veterans, members of the public, and representatives from the city and county as well as students from the Primary and High schools attended as well.
Jim NeSmith, commander of the local American Legion post, led those present through the program. He began the ceremony with a moment of silence. The presentation of the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag followed.
Flags were posted, including the American flag, the Georgia state flag, and flags from each branch of the military.
The MCHS Band played our national anthem, “The Star-spangled Banner,” and the MCHS Chorus sang “God Bless America.”
NeSmith shared that Veterans Day began in 1919 so this one is the 93rd celebrated.  He said this day serves as an opportunity for our nation to honor our veterans.
A Blue Star flag in honor of active military personnel was posted next.
A wreath was brought forward while Taps played.
The MCHS Band then played Branch Songs for each branch of the military. Veterans stood as their branch song played and those present clapped in accompaniment.
 The MCHS Chorus sang “America the Beautiful” and then the flags were retired.

Printed in the November 15, 2012 edition