By Nathan Straus
nstraus@jacksonvilleprogress.com
ozens of local veterans attended Cherokee County’s Veterans Day program Wednesday.
Local officials and religious leaders spoke at the ceremony to pay tribute to veterans of both the past and the present.
The Rev. Don Copeland, the primary speaker, spoke about all the good things soldiers have done.
“As these men and women are remembered for the stand they took, so will we be remembered for the stand we have taken,” Copeland said.
Rusk Mayor Angela Raiborn spoke to the assembled veterans as well, thanking them for their service.
The event, which took place around 11 a.m. at the courthouse in Rusk, began with an introduction and invocation before moving to the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem. Then an Armed Forces tribute was given. After a balloon release and 21-gun salute from the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Taps was played.
After the ceremony, there was an open house at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. Memorabilia from the Civil War to more recent conflicts were displayed.
Two military grade transport vehicles were brought to the service.
The ceremony was sponsored by the Cherokee County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary Post 3406.
