By Mandy Bourgeois | Published Sunday, November 15, 2009
Three children stood at the edge of the crowd at the Wise County Veterans Memorial Park. As the band played the national anthem, one stood tall, shoulders back, hand frozen to his temple in a salute to the flag. The other two shifted from one foot to the other with their hands to their heart, their eyes shifting from the flag to the faces of those around them.
"It's a delight to see such a big crowd today," said Walt Warner, Wise County Veterans Group commander, to the crowd gathered for the Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday.
The veterans took time to honor World War II veterans, applauding for those who were able to attend and listening to a synopsis of their service.
But an unannounced theme of the ceremony was emphasis on respect for every veteran's service, regardless the job description.
"Veterans Day is a day in which we pay tribute to all veterans," said Bob Johnson. "It also spans the different roles that people play in the military. We're going to honor those who served in World War II. Obviously, all these gentlemen have a story to tell. We're very proud of everyone's service."
Manshadow Waylett stressed that veterans feel a special kinship with each other despite their unique experiences in the military.
"I feel a kinship with every one of you veterans, and that transcends to those who died at Fort Hood, and those who died on the battlefield," Waylett said, adding that the tie that binds veterans "is a promise never compromised and never officially rescinded."
Waylett explained that the promise comes in the form of the oath of allegiance taken upon entrance in the military.
The ceremony also included introduction of Wise County elected officials and State Rep. Phil King. The ceremony concluded with the playing of Taps.
