VALDOSTA — Veterans, dignitaries, active duty military and citizens turned out in a light rain for the Veterans Day ceremony at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium on Williams Street Wednesday. Presented by the Lowndes Veterans Council, the event was sparsely attended by the public.
A huge American flag was displayed in the bleachers on the opposing side of Cleveland Field. Members of the Valdosta High School Marching Cats, under the direction of Michael Thomas, provided music for the occasion.
Lt. Col. Donald C. Wolfe, Jacksonville Army Recruiting battalion commander, was the featured speaker. Prior to the start of the ceremony, Wolfe said Veterans Day is about celebrating veterans, honoring their service, both past and present, and reminding people that it’s an honor and a privilege to serve in the Armed Forces.
“I would ask everyone in America to encourage those young people who are considering military service. The military, regardless of which service, is a great place to start your life and answer the call to duty,” he said.
During his prepared remarks before the assembled audience, Wolfe said, “America’s veterans proudly carried the torch of liberty. Their country called and they answered. We can thank them by taking full advantage of the rights they fought to preserve.”
Master of Ceremonies Phil Youngblood said, “Veterans are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Our armed forces carry the great responsibility of defending us.”
Valdosta Mayor John Fretti quoted the words of President John F. Kennedy.
“A nation reveals itself not only by the people it produces, but also by the people it honors, the people it remembers.” Fretti added, “I’m grateful to wake up every morning under the protection of the greatest military organization in the world.”
Honor Guards from Moody Air Force Base and the Knights of Columbus, the Lowndes High Air Force Junior ROTC, the Valdosta High Navy Junior ROTC and the Valdosta State University ROTC, were also on hand to participate in the event to honor U.S. veterans. Immediately after the program, American Legion Post 13, located at 1301 Williams St., hosted a free BBQ luncheon.
Another Veterans Day program was also held at the Southside Recreation Center.
Nov. 11 marks the anniversary of the Armistice which was signed in the Forest of Compiegne by the Allies and the Germans in 1918, ending World War I, after four years of conflict. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was later renamed Veterans Day, a time to honor all who had fought in various American wars, not just in World War I.
For more information call American Legion 13 Post Commander Ed Kent at 229-333-2178 or American Legion Post 13 229-242-7616.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Army Lt. Col. Donald C. Wolfe was the guest speaker for the Veterans Day Observance at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Wednesday.
-
Lowndes High School Junior Air Force ROTC cadet Lt. Col. Adam Uelem holds the American flag during ceremonies at the Veterans Day program at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Wednesday.
-
Lowndes High Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Lt. Col. Adam Uelem, Valdosta State University Air Force ROTC Vice Wing Commander Cadet Col. Andrew Watters, and Valdosta High School Navy Junior ROTC Cadet Lt. Junior Grade Clinton Anthony salute veterans Jimmy English, Charlie Pollard, Billy C. Wiggins Sr., and Ed Kent during the wreath laying ceremony at the Veterans Day Observance at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Wednesday.
Discussion
For Those Who Served
Rain fails to dampen annual tribute
- Local News
-
-
From the CIA to man about town
Meet Jack Pruden, former member of the Central Intelligence Agency.
-
Berrien school medical facility faces an uncertain future
A state-of-the-art medical facility that was introduced in Berrien County public schools in 2010 might be ending soon.
-
New TV listings section debuts in print edition
In Sunday editions of The Valdosta Daily Times, keep an eye out for the updated TV listings section.
-
Man shot in Valdosta; police car, ambulance collide
Response to a shooting Saturday afternoon led to a collision between a police vehicle and an ambulance.
-
Annual Father-Daughter Dance enters 16th year
Three-week-old Emmaline Taylor lay contentedly on dad Trey Taylor’s shoulder Friday night, completely oblivious to the sights and sounds of the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance.
Now in its 16th year, the popular annual event is sponsored by Valdosta’s First Presbyterian Church and held at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center.
“We’ve been looking forward to this,” Trey Taylor said. “When we first got pregnant, (my wife Sheya and I) looked to see if she would be here in time for the Father-Daughter Dance.” -
VPD offers online citation payment
The Valdosta Police Department has implemented a new online service to assist traffic violators.
-
School system grades policy gets national exposure
Local radio personality Scott James of Talk 92.1 will be appearing on “Fox & Friends” today at 7:45 a.m. to share feedback about the new grading policy implemented by the Lowndes County School System.
-
Don Giovanni: VSU presents Mozart’s most famous opera
VALDOSTA — Editing Mozart isn’t for sissies.
It takes a certain knowledge, talent and sheer chutzpah to perform surgery on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Alas, in our age of short-attention spans, it is a challenge which many opera productions must consider, given that many of Mozart’s originals stretched as long as four hours. -
Traffic Unit coming to Hahira
HAHIRA — The Hahira City Council voted to allow the addition of a Traffic Enforcement Unit to the Hahira Police Department at Thursday night’s regular session council meeting.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit will patrol two miles of Interstate 75 and according to Hahira Police Chief Terry Davis, has nothing to do with making money and everything to do with the safety of Hahira’s citizens. -
Life’s a Drag
Theatre Guild Valdosta unleashes some of its leading players this week to star in its newest comedy, “Leading Ladies.”
- More Local News Headlines
-
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
