Rockmart observes Veterans Day with presentation, celebration
Nov 12, 2009 | 558 views | 0 
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A cool breeze stirred the fine mist and unfurled the red, white and blue American flags that gave a colorful backdrop to the Veterans Day program in Rockmart on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Leaves from nearby oaks rattled slightly as people gathered to honor the men and women who have or are serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Melissa Sain sat listening as members of American Legion Brown-Wright Post 12 discussed points of the planned program.
She said she was there to thank those who have made possible her life in America. "I don’t ever want to take any of these men and women for granted," she said.
Her thoughts seemed to be the theme of speakers that focused on ordinary people doing
extraordinary things or making the ultimate sacrifice.
State Representative Rick Crawford, keynote speaker, used quotes from President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, which was made during the dedication of the national cemetery in November 1863.
Lincoln spoke of the full measure of devotion, which Crawford followed up with an observation that today’s society does not like to speak of sacrifice. He said that this could be due to materialism or the belief that all the needed sacrifices have been made.
"There are no words that can express the gratitude we should feel for their service," Crawford said. "It is an impossible task, but as long as we are here, we keep their memory and sacrifice alive."
Jason Strickland, Rockmart Post 12 Legion Riders, commented on the fact that Veterans Day is to remind Americans of the tremendous sacrifice made to keep America free.
"Because of you, this country remains the greatest nation on earth," he said.
Post 12 Adjutant Dean Jarman pointed out that ordinary people doing extraordinary things describes all veterans.
"They endure great hardship, separation from families, drastically altered lifestyles and
the horrors of war so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today", he said.
The program was called to order with the placing of a wreath at the "Killed in Action" monument by Unit 12 President Shelia Brinkley and advancement of colors by Post 12 Legion Riders.
Post 12 Commander James Tramell presided and introduced the speakers.
The program ended with playing of taps and the benediction by Pastor Al Cunningham, First United Methodist Church, Rockmart.
Leaves from nearby oaks rattled slightly as people gathered to honor the men and women who have or are serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Melissa Sain sat listening as members of American Legion Brown-Wright Post 12 discussed points of the planned program.
She said she was there to thank those who have made possible her life in America. "I don’t ever want to take any of these men and women for granted," she said.
Her thoughts seemed to be the theme of speakers that focused on ordinary people doing
extraordinary things or making the ultimate sacrifice.
State Representative Rick Crawford, keynote speaker, used quotes from President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, which was made during the dedication of the national cemetery in November 1863.
Lincoln spoke of the full measure of devotion, which Crawford followed up with an observation that today’s society does not like to speak of sacrifice. He said that this could be due to materialism or the belief that all the needed sacrifices have been made.
"There are no words that can express the gratitude we should feel for their service," Crawford said. "It is an impossible task, but as long as we are here, we keep their memory and sacrifice alive."
Jason Strickland, Rockmart Post 12 Legion Riders, commented on the fact that Veterans Day is to remind Americans of the tremendous sacrifice made to keep America free.
"Because of you, this country remains the greatest nation on earth," he said.
Post 12 Adjutant Dean Jarman pointed out that ordinary people doing extraordinary things describes all veterans.
"They endure great hardship, separation from families, drastically altered lifestyles and
the horrors of war so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today", he said.
The program was called to order with the placing of a wreath at the "Killed in Action" monument by Unit 12 President Shelia Brinkley and advancement of colors by Post 12 Legion Riders.
Post 12 Commander James Tramell presided and introduced the speakers.
The program ended with playing of taps and the benediction by Pastor Al Cunningham, First United Methodist Church, Rockmart.
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