Daniel Prince
Members of the SC Army National Guard perform a 21-gun salute
Daniel Prince
Special recognition given for spouses married to active-duty military members
A crowd of veterans, students, and members of the public gathered at Foster Park Thursday for the annual Veterans Day ceremony. The parade was scaled down due to the location, with the Union County High School JROTC leading off with the colors, followed by the Union County High School marching band, and last of all in the place of honor, Union County’s veterans. The crowd braved a couple of light rain showers to pay tribute to our veterans. Jantzen Childers, whose voice is recovering from recent surgery, talked about the importance of the day:
(audio below story)
After Jantzen Childers welcomed everyone, Reverend Richard Lewis with Wesley Chapel and Lockhart United Methodist churches opened in prayer. The JROTC presented the colors as Jolee Cathcart, a chorus student at Union County High School, sang the national anthem. Cindy Fore recognized the gold star mothers, who lost sons while in service. The two were Azilee Ashe, who was unable to attend due to health reasons, and Lisa Bell. Pamela Sloss was honored as a gold star spouse. Fore also recognized blue star families, who have someone serving in active duty. She also recognized the dignitaries and elected officials in the audience. Ronnie Howell saluted the veterans service organizations, including the American Legion, VFW, Vietnam Veterans of America, and auxiliary members. The high school chorus sang “God Bless the USA”, followed by the Sims Singers with “What Tomorrow Brings” and “God Bless America”. Special recognition was given to the spouses who were married to active duty military members while they were in service. John Gist recognized all the veterans of different wartime and peacetime eras. Staff Sergeant Pernell Thompson laid the wreath at the Vietnam KIA memorial, followed by a 21-gun salute by the National Guard, and Taps played by Ronnie Lybrand. The ceremony closed with prayer by Rev. Drew Rogers with Lockhart First Baptist Church. The high school band played as the crowd exited.