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L to r: Veterans Donald Harrell (Navy), Junior Kirkland (Army), and Henry O’Neal (Army).
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Congressman John Barrow
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Keynote speaker Murl Gwynn
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by Michelle Wolf
Georgia’s 12th District U.S. Representative John Barrow offered his personal thanks as students at Tattnall County High School (TCHS) rolled out the red carpet for area Veterans and active duty military personnel during their 7th Annual Veterans Day program held Wednesday, November 11, at 10:30 a.m.
“This is the day we remember all those who served. It’s especially important, because the men and women who serve in this learned profession are called upon to give their lives in their profession. They have given the best years of their lives to their country. We have an obligation to take care of them after they serve. This is why I’ve worked to increase spending on Veterans by more than 40 percent over the last two years. It’s also why I worked to pass the new G.I. Bill of Rights to give them the same, or better rights, than the greatest generation in the world who won World War II,” Barrow said.
The bleachers and audience seating were full as Veterans and military personnel processed into the gymnasium to the sounds of patriotic music.
“Today, we recognize and celebrate the contributions our service men and women have made in defense of America, and continue to make in preserving freedom and peace throughout the world. Today we join our Nation to pay tribute to those who have served in our Armed Forces. For all their sacrifices and for the peace, prosperity, and liberty their service has secured for us, we express our deep appreciation for the duties they have discharged,” said Destiny Levant, TCHS sophomore and 2009 TCHS Annual Veterans Day Observance Committee chairperson.
TCHS senior Casey Brannen introduced this year’s keynote speaker, Murl Gwynn of Cobbtown, who spoke on behalf of the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute program.
“Murl Gwynn has been pastor of Christian Life Fellowship Church in Cobbtown since August 13, 1983. Pastor Gwynn spent 14 years in the U.S. Army, as a Sergeant First Class; he eventually retired from the Georgia National Guard. Pastor Gwynn is an Ambassador for the U. S. Army Freedom Team Salute program, and is the State Chaplain for the Patriot Guard Riders of Georgia. He has written a book entitled, The President Was A Good Man,” Brannen said.
“On this very special day, we are proud to honor and celebrate the contributions of our military Veterans. Each of our Veterans has made tremendous sacrifices and represents the very best of our country. I am pleased to be here representing the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute program, a program to commend and honor all Army Veterans, as well as a vehicle for Soldiers to thank their supporters. We are privileged to have this opportunity to honor all of our Veterans from all of the military branches as well as Army Veterans. The examples set by our service men and women show and teach many here and around the world the integrity, compassion, and strength of the American people,” Pastor Gwynn said.
In May 2005, the United States Army launched a unique community outreach initiative called Freedom Team Salute. This program provides the opportunity for the Army to acknowledge, and to thank all generations of Army Veterans for their service and sacrifice to their country. The U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute program also offers personal recognition to the Army spouses, parents, and employers who support American’s troops.
“Today, we are fortunate to pay tribute to all our Veterans for their selfless service and contributions to the American way of life. On behalf of the Secretary of the Army, and the Army Chief of Staff, we honor all you Veterans for your outstanding service to the United States and to our country,” Pastor Gwynn said.
In his closing remarks, Pastor Gwynn read a poem he had written in honor of U.S. Veterans.
The audience also enjoyed hearing the history of “G.I. Joe” as told by Frank NeSmith. He explained that G.I. Joe was a pigeon that served in World War II. Hatched and trained by a U.S. Army unit serving in North Africa, G.I. Joe was sent to help a British unit fighting the Nazis in Italy.
“The Nazis were entrenched in the city, and the British soldiers couldn’t break through. They eventually called headquarters and requested a carpet bombing of the city. It was a last ditch effort to destroy the Nazis, but the British knew that it would also kill innocent civilians. As they awaited the bombing raid, they kept fighting. They succeeded in breaking through the Nazi lines, but this presented another problem. Now, the British soldiers were in the city and the bombing would be starting soon. A message was attached to the leg of G.I. Joe, and he flew the 26 miles to headquarters in only 20 minutes. He must have had a tail wind, because pigeons can’t fly that fast. With the bombers on the taxiway ready to take off, the message was received just in time. The bombing mission was canceled, and the British soldiers were able to liberate the Italian city from the Nazis. After the war, G.I. Joe lived out the rest of his life at the St. Louis Zoo. He died in 1963 at the age of 20, which is quite old for a pigeon,” NeSmith explained.
During the ceremony, the Youth Challenge Academy Color Guard posted the colors, the TCHS Pre-Kindergarten class led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Hunter McCumber sang the National Anthem and performed “I Am Old Glory.” Guitarist Stephen DeLoach and vocalist Drake Oglesby performed two songs, “American Soldier” and “We Are American.”
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