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Stars, stripes & honor
On behalf of a grateful country ...
Danie M. Huffman
wdreporter2@yahoo.com
Veterans hold a special place in the hearts of Weatherford residents. Saturday, they showed their local heroes just how much.
A parade was held in their honor with special guest speakers who personally thanked the service men and women for fighting for their freedom.
Flags were passed out as patriotic music blared from speakers along South Main Street and children stood in awe to catch a glimpse of service men and women in uniform.
Teams of honor guards, numerous horses, camouflage, stars and stripes and red, white and blue painted signs, balloons and glitter sported cars, trucks and trailers lined up to take part in the parade.
The ceremonies began with an invocation by Pastor Kenneth Watson.
American Legion Post 163 Commander Ron Chandler welcomed guests and soldiers by reading a letter sent by Governor Rick Perry.
“Our most precious gift is freedom,” Chandler read, as Perry thanked them for their service.
John Cornyn also wrote a letter to all veterans, echoing what Perry wrote.
“It is our solemn duty to provide for them,” Cornyn penned. “It is an enormous debt of gratitude that we owe.”
Master of Ceremonies U.S. Marine Master Sgt. Vernon Jones introduced the featured guests.
Weatherford Mayor Dennis Hooks said he was privileged to honor service men and their blessings of freedom.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Joe Brinkley, U.S. Army Ret., read a proclamation from the commissioners court proclaiming Nov. 8 through 14 Veterans Week.
“We honor their courageous service,” Brinkley said. “They are serving as the arm of our God ... Support them with your resources and time.”
He concluded his speech by requesting residents enter their prayer closets daily and lift the men and women of our military up.
“That God would wrap his armor of protection around them,” he said.
U.S. Navy SSgt. Bryan Evans stood to proclaim his privilege to perform in Operation Enduring Freedom.
U.S. Navy Ret. Admiral James Lair, who flew more than 200 combat missions and made 1,400 career carrier landings, stood to salute all veterans.
Jack Borden posed as the grand marshal of the parade and rode in the procession.
State Representative Phil King said the day was as important to Texas as it was to all of America.
“It’s an honor to be on stage with these dignitaries,” he said.
U.S. Air Force Ret. Kim Olson was the first female flight commander and also an instructor pilot who served for two decades.
Olson requested attendees to pause for a mere three seconds and just listen.
“This, ladies and gentlemen, is the sound of freedom and peace,” she said. “Listen to the beautiful sound of freedom that veterans have brought for us today and for generations to come.”
WWII Battle of the Bulge Veteran Chuck Katlic summed up the ceremony by defining honor.
“Service for up to and more than a life time,” he explained.
The parade procession was more than a mile long, lasting up to two hours as horses, soldiers, floats and flags adorned South Main on their route toward the courthouse.
Hundreds of residents lined the streets as service men and women from all military branches marched down their path and never said a word. They simply soaked up waves, well-wishes and thank-yous from a town of proud Americans.
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