COLUMBUS HONORS VETERANS AT ANNUAL CEREMONY
COLUMBUS, Miss. – The air was filled with pride and gratitude as city leaders and residents gathered for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony in Columbus. It was a heartwarming event where the community came together to pay respects to the heroes who have served the country, both past and present. With a packed crowd, the highlight of the ceremony was the touching laying of the wreath, symbolizing remembrance and honor.
Mayor’s Heartfelt Message
Mayor Keith Gaskin kicked off the event with a powerful statement, emphasizing the importance of recognizing veterans. “There is really nothing that is more important than making sure that we honor our veterans,” he said, his voice resonating through the crowd. “They mean so much to the community, the state, and the country. It is important that they know how much we appreciate them and their sacrifices.”
A Respectful Gathering
As the ceremony unfolded, attendees included veterans, their families, and community members, all coming together to salute those who have served. Among the speakers was Commander James Blech of the 14th Flying Wing. His passion for honoring veterans was palpable as he shared his own connections to the military community. “I jumped at the opportunity to come out and talk to our veterans who are in the local community here,” he expressed. “It is a very active community with the veterans; there are a lot of connections with the base, and it is an opportunity for us once a year, for us to say thank you for serving the country and thank you for your continuing support for the men and women who are out at Columbus Air Force Base.”
Community Spirit Shines Bright
Among attendees were James Walton and Donald Curry, two veterans who echoed the importance of community support during such events. “It makes me feel good in my heart that people still are gravitating towards veterans,” Walton stated, looking around at the gathered crowd. “Veterans are what made the country today, and without us, there is a lot of stuff that would be going on right now.”
Curry added, “It means a lot to me to see veterans participate and keep things going, especially for the younger veterans. It was a tremendous day, and I really enjoyed it, and I hope to do more things like this.”
Educating the Younger Generations
The Veterans Day Ceremony has become a cherished tradition in Columbus over the years, taking place outside the Lowndes County Courthouse. Mayor Gaskin emphasized the importance of educating younger generations about military service. “This ceremony is also a great way for younger people to learn more about soldiers and to have a better understanding of some of the things they had to go through while serving in the military,” he noted.
Community Celebration Continues
As the ceremony came to a close, the sense of togetherness lingered in the air. Columbus residents showed, once again, that they deeply honor and value those who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation. Events like these not only pay tribute to veterans but also inspire a sense of community pride and respect for the sacrifices made by so many.
With ceremonies like this, Columbus continues to shine as a town that values its history and acknowledges the bravery of its citizens who have worn the uniform.
