The selfless service of the U.S. armed forces shines on Veterans Day
Veterans Day was celebrated last week as Pierce County honored the men and women of Pierce County who have served in the United States armed forces.
Turn out was strong with approximately 70 people, many of them veterans or the widows of veterans, attending.
Gathered in the historic train depot in downtown Blackshear, the event began on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a tradition that began with Armistice Day, the holiday celebrating the end of World War I. Armistice Day eventually became what we now know as Veterans Day.
No veterans of the Korean War were present, but service members from every major conflict since that time were in attendance.
First District County Commissioner and Vietnam veteran Troy Mattox began things promptly at 11 a.m. by reading the official welcome. Pastor Justin Gambrell of First Baptist Church of Blackshear led the invocation and later blessed the meal.
Realtor and United States Navy veteran of 10 years, Charlissa Culp was the keynote speaker.
She spoke of service, selfsacrifice and most of all the need to help and lift up veterans after their return to civilian life.
“If you see a veteran struggling, don’t judge that veteran. Hug that veteran,” said Culp.
Navy veteran, former school board member and former Blackshear Councilman Melvin Johnson led the Pledge of Allegiance, asking a representative of each branch of the military to stand with him. Following the pledge, those gathered joined in singing the National Anthem.
The Armed Services Medley was played with members of each branch asked to rise as their specific anthem was played.
The meal was prepared by Flamin’ Smokers and sponsored by Better Hometown Blackshear, Rotary Club and Hospice Satilla.
Above left: keynote speaker Charlissa Culp reminded listeners struggling veterans need love and support, not scorn. Above right: Marianne Blount Graf Thomas attended in honor of her husband Lt. Steven Graf, who was shot down over Vietnam in 1969.
