VETERAN’S DAY CELEBRATION 2021

The second annual Veteran’s Day Celebration was held last Thursday evening at the Veteran’s Plaza in downtown Atlanta. The master of ceremonies was Kate Stow of the Cass County Citizens Journal-Sun, which sponsors the event. Other sponsors this year were J.E. Manning American Legion Post 258, VFW Post 5870, Mission 22, The Gary Sinise Foundation and Heritage Home Health.

The Atlanta High School Band began the event with a military medley. Local girl and boy scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by The Star Spangled Banner and the invocation by the Rev. A.C. Williams.

Commander Michael Steward of the American Legion read The Soldiers Creed and recognized veterans in attendance with a roll call of each branch of the military. Cass County District Attorney Courtney Shelton then spoke about the meaning of patriotism and its importance in America.

The next speaker was Major John Fox, a Vietnam Veteran who survived being shot down three times during the TET Offensive. He relayed some of his most interesting experiences in the military, much to the crowd’s enjoyment.

Queen City High School Honor Student Halle Worthington offered a dramatic reading of “I Am A Soldier.” The poem was written by the grandfather of QCHS teacher Karen Steward Nettleton.

Robert and Barbie Rhode of Tyler were there to explain what the organization Mission 22 does to help Veterans suffering from PTSD and other war related issues. The group got its name from statistics that show 22 veterans commit suicide every day in the United States. Robert clarified that the statistic is now up to 26 veterans a day. The Rhode’s relayed the story of their involvement, which began when they lost their veteran son to suicide.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Command Sergeant Major Travis Ransom of the Army Reserves. Ransom, who is also the mayor of Atlanta, returned from deployment to Afghanistan in July. He spoke of the importance of our military and how his 24-year career and upbringing in Atlanta has shaped his life.

The evening ended with a closing prayer by the Rev. Johnathon Stanmore. Veterans and their family were then able to have their photo taken in front of a backdrop provided by Heritage Home Health and visit the sponsor tables for more information on how they can give and receive assistance.