Hamilton County honors veterans

Published 9:30 am Friday, November 18, 2016

JASPER — Hamilton County held its Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 11 at the Veterans Memorial Park.

The ceremony started with the placement of the wreath for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.

Seaman Autumn Cole, a former Hamilton County High School student spoke about what being a veteran is.

She said being a veteran requires sacrifices from the one serving and his or her family but there is no better feeling than serving the United States of America. 

The guest speaker was Colonel Stephen O’Rear. He is retired from the United States Air Force. He is currently serving as the senior aerospace science instructor for Hamilton County High School.

O’Rear shared his fondest memory of Veterans Day, which occurred in January 2002.

He said after returning from Afghanistan he went out for a bagel with his wife. He asked the cashier for a military discount. The cashier asked when he would be heading to Afghanistan. He told her he had just returned. Every customer in the store came over and thanked him for his service.

The Veterans of Foreign War Post 8095 recognized Reverend Roger Hutto for distinguished service in furthering the aims and ideals for the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. 

The Hamilton County High School Band and Choir provided music for the ceremony.