Published: November 12, 2009 03:50 pm      

Community honors veterans

Hundreds braved the cold winds Wednesday to pay tribute to veterans of all wars and honor those who have served our country.

The ceremony featured patriotic music from the Cumberland County Community Band prior to the event.

The Ascention Lutheran Church as well as The Christian Motorcyclists Cumberland Cruisers For Christ had tents set up and provided free doughnuts, cider and coffee.

"I think it's important for the community to honor our veterans on every opportunity we can," Richard DuBois of the Disabled American Veterans said.

"I'm proud to have served and come to honor my fellow vets every year," Jack E. Murphy, a Vietnam veteran said.

During the event the band played the anthem of each branch of the military and members of the Cumberland County Young Marines read a brief history of the origin of each branch of the military.

Veterans Service Officer Mark Daniels emceed the program.

Ginny Cole sang the National Anthem and James "Junior" Pugh gave the invocations and closing prayers.

All branches of military were acknowledged and Daniels honored all branches of the military auxiliary groups.

Ed Lewis, a retired veteran and career service man, was the speaker for the event.

During his speech Lewis honored four veterans whom he considered his heroes: Bernie Conklin, a World War II vet; Evelyn Crane, a nurse who served in the military during World War II; Harry Sutherland, a World War II vet who served in the Special Forces; and an unnamed 79-year-old hero soldier, who remains alive today. The other three are deceased.

Lewis said, "I wouldn't want to embarrass him."

He also read a poem and a story called a tribute to the 19-year-old soldier.

Lewis honored all veterans and branches of the military as well.

LaNelle Sutherland of the Cumberland County Red Cross announced that the local chapter of the Red Cross is selling yellow ribbons to honor the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment. The 278th National Guard unit is scheduled to deploy to Iraq in February 2010.

"On Dec. 6 we will line Main St. to see them off and hope everyone will come out and support them," Sutherland said.

Sutherland said that is the day the 278th is now scheduled to leave for training for the deployment.

Yvette Dolan sang "The Pledge of Allegiance" that she was taught when she first came to the United States.

Daniels also pleaded to the public, "I'm asking you to do me a favor and if you know a veteran, or have a veteran for neighbor, reach out to these men and women. Please try to help them or let me or my office know about them so we can help ... So many of our veterans are living under such poor conditions — deplorable conditions. It doesn't have to be that way. Let's try to help all of our veterans and thank them for serving our country."

The Veterans Honor Guard played taps after the closing prayer at the end of the ceremony.

Although both Cumberland County Mayor Brock Hill and city of Crossville Mayor J.H. Graham III attended the ceremony, neither spoke publicly during the event.

Several county commissioners as well as city officials also attended the ceremony.