Local veterans were honored last Friday morning as Veteran’s Day ceremonies were held at the County Complex and at the Veteran’s Memorial on the courthouse square.

The American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary Post 122, hosted the events, which featured Dr. Patrick S. McClellan, Homeless Veterans Chair and Boys State Coordinator for the American Legion Department of Tennessee as keynote speaker.

The DeKalb County High School Fighting Tiger Band and the DCHS Chorus under the direction of Josh Gulley, were on hand for the event to entertain the crowd, along with Susan Hinton, who played some patriotic tunes on the keyboard.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of colors by the 1377th Bobby Ray Detachment Marine Corps and Prayer by Larry Green.

Jerry Hinton, Commander of the American Legion #122, and Adjutant Ronnie Redmon paid tribute to all DeKalb County veterans before Judy Redmon, President of the American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary introduced Dr. McClellan.

“Today as we gather to commemorate Veterans Day, we stand on the hallowed ground of gratitude paying tribute to the men and women who have stood on the front lines of freedom and who have with their sacrifices woven the fabrics of the nation’s history. In a quiet moment of reflection, we find ourselves surrounded by the echoes of their courage and resilience. Veteran’s Day is a reminder that freedom comes at a cost, and it is the brave souls in uniform willing to shoulder that burden,” said Dr. McClellan.

During the event, the DCHS Band and Chorus students participated in the Pinning of the Veterans by Gentiva Hospice. Pins to presented to veterans in honor of their service.

The Vincent and Dailey video, “Unsung Heroes,” which was filmed in Smithville and features local veterans, was also shown during the event.

Afterwards, a crowd gathered at the Veteran’s Memorial monument at the DeKalb County Courthouse, where a wreath-laying ceremony was held by Commander Hinton and fellow veterans. A prayer by Don Rigsby at the site.

Veterans returned to the complex after the ceremony, where lunch was served for veterans, their families, officials, and program participants. Lunch was provided by Senior Citizens Director Pam Redmon; the American Legion Post 122 and Ladies Auxiliary, and the Woodmen of the World represented by Tom Bumbalough and Bill Rutherford.