Newton County showed their gratitude for veterans Monday with several observances around the county.
At Newton County Elementary School, veterans were honored with a program followed by the school’s annual Veterans Walk, as students cheered on their local heroes.
A small group of Newton County veterans and family members gathered Monday at the Historic Legion Hut in Decatur to recognize and honor military service men and women on Veterans Day.
The event, organized by Newton County Veterans Service Officer and American Legion Post 89 Commander Johnny Reeves, was organized as an alternative to the county and city Veterans Day events, which were not held this year.
After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, Reeves welcomed the veterans and thanked them for their service.
“Thank you for answering the call of duty,” he said. “You have made our armed forces the most respected in the world.”
Reeves also recognized the family members of veterans. Spouses and families also sacrifice, he said, and they need to be recognized as well.
“We know you have lived through difficult times and often taken the heavy load to keep the home fires burning,” he said.
Rep. Randy Rushing, R-Decatur, also thanked the gathered veterans for their service. Mississippi, he said, is home to more than 200,000 veterans.
“They are parents, our grandparents, our sons and daughters, our neighbors and our friends,” he said.
Veterans come from all states and different backgrounds, Rushing said, but they all share the desire to fight to defend their country and the freedoms of their countrymen.
“Because of them, we are able to live in the greatest country in the world,” he said.
Rushing said he wanted to thank each of the veterans gathered, and those throughout the nation, for their bravery and dedication.
“You are the great heroes of our country, and without you, we would not be here today,” he said.
