Dozens of past and current military service members packed into the Gold Room in East Central Community College’s cafeteria Wednesday for a meal of eggs, bacon, grits, biscuits and hash browns at the college’s Military Appreciation Breakfast.
During the meal, veterans were serenaded by the East Central A Capella band, Vocé, singing a rendition of “Home” by Phillip Phillips. After the meal and a Color Guard presentation by Boy Scouts of America Troop 46, Vocé also sang the national anthem and “Taps” was played by ECCC Wall O’ Sound trumpeter Ellie Hall.
“Today is our day to honor all of those out there who have served,” said Billy Stewart, president of ECCC.
Veterans were also treated to a short speech by retired Brigadier General Oren Smith, a Decatur native and former member of Boy Scouts Troop 46.
“I would be remiss if I did not recognize Troop 46,” Smith said. “Thank you for the Color Guard. As an alumni of the troop, it’s exciting for me to see them here today.”
Smith said every Veterans Day is special, but this year’s holiday carries an even greater significance as it marks the 100-year anniversary of the end of World War 1.
“This weekend, on the 11th, will mark the 100th anniversary of the guns going silent on the western front in World War 1,” he said. “Four million Americans were called to arms in this conflict and it was in World War 1 that this nation became the arsenal of democracy.”
At least 40,000 Mississippians were drafted into World War 1 as part of the 39th Delta Division, Smith said. While the unit, as a whole, did not see combat, he said, every soldier was used as a replacement.
“Over 110,00 Americans lost their lives in World War 1,” he said. “Another 40,000 lost their lives to Spanish Influenza.”
Two of those casualties were from Decatur, Smith said, R.H. McMullan and Elder C. Mapp were both killed in action in 1918.
Smith said Mississippians have a proud history of serving their country in the Armed Forces. Since WWI, he said, men and women from across the state have continued to serve.
“Currently, we have about 3,300 Mississippians deployed in Operation Spartan Shield over in Kuwait, Syria and Jordan,” he said. “Another 250 will be leaving here within the month to join them. Each day, of course, our Mississippi Air National Guard is riding global reach around them in support of missions. These men and women are from this community. Some were and are students at East Central. They represent the commitment of this nation to the principals of freedom and they’re real intangible examples of our commitment to freedom and democracy around the world.”
Nov. 11, Smith said, is a day to celebrate the sacrifices of service members of all wars. America, he said, “does not conduct wars of conquest and material gain, but the ideals of life, liberty and freedom for all. That ideal was founded in World War 1 and it continues to be the vision shared by veterans today, he said.
