Honoring duty and service

  • Gracie Taylor • Clay County Progress Veterans and the young crowd salute during a celebration Nov. 6 on the Clay County Schools campus. Members of the military were recognized for the current and previous service to our nation. The event gave young people the opportunity to not only honor, but learn more about veterans and interact with some of their heroes. See photos from both ceremonies A10.
    Gracie Taylor • Clay County Progress Veterans and the young crowd salute during a celebration Nov. 6 on the Clay County Schools campus. Members of the military were recognized for the current and previous service to our nation. The event gave young people the opportunity to not only honor, but learn more about veterans and interact with some of their heroes. See photos from both ceremonies A10.
    Deby Jo Ferguson • Clay County Progress George Lee American Legion Chapter 532 Chaplain Carl Maxwell delivers the opening prayers on Veterans Day.

    Deby Jo Ferguson • Clay County Progress George Lee American Legion Chapter 532 Chaplain Carl Maxwell delivers the opening prayers on Veterans Day.

    By Deby Jo Ferguson

    Staff Writer

     

    On Monday, Nov. 11 nearly 100 people packed the square around the gazebo to honor to all military members who have or are still serving our country. 

    American Legion Commander Robert Seibert conducted the event with the posting of colors opening the service. Chaplain Carl Maxwell led the crowd in prayer followed by Eli Jack who led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

    Singers from Carolina Christian Acadaemy performed several patriotic songs including the “Star Spangles Banner” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”

    Guest speakers at the event included Pheobe Camphouse and Col. U.S. Army (ret.) Bill McKelvey. Larry Ferguson led with a rendition of Johnny Cash’s song “Ragged Old Flag.” The ceremony closed with Monya Seibert singing “America the Beautiful” before the Retiring of the Colors.

    Earlier in the week on Nov. 6 Clay County Schools hosted a Veterans’ Celebration on the football field at Frank R. Long Memorial Stadium. Students, guests and faculty enjoyed patriotic songs, speeches and visiting with the veterans themselves who were treated to breakfast earlier that morning.