Area residents gathered at the Attala County Coliseum Monday to pay tribute to area soldiers past and present for Veteran’s Day. The ceremonies are normally held at Parkway Cemetery, with 225 flags flying in honor of those who have served, but this year’s inclement weather caused a move indoors.
Ceremonies included invocation and benediction by Allen Fletcher of the U.S. Army, The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem were led by Kosciusko High School students Joseph Johnson and Andrea Wallace, respectively.
Captain Paul Brian Oakes, who grew up in Hesterville and graduated from East Holmes Academy, was the guest speaker. Oakes has served the U.S. Air Force for more than 28 years in both military and civilian roles.
Oakes spent much of his talk detailing the meritorious service of other Mississippians throughout the country’s history.
“For every soldier who has won the Medal of Honor, there are hundreds of thousands of others who have sacrificed for our country with little recognition,” he said.
Oakes said honoring veterans does not need include military service, however.
“Live your life to the greatest potential, make a great natioan. That is how you honor veterans,” he said.
Oakes said to preserve our country, citizens must commit to extending liberty to others - even those with whom we disagree.
“The thing about liberty is that it can be lost here at home just as it can be lost on the battlefield,” he concluded.
