By Harold Brummett

Star Denmark Route

Everyone last week was talking about the election results. Some people are happy, some sad, just like always. Despite who won, who lost, Veterans Day celebrations went on as always, giving a nod and thanks to those who helped make the vote possible.

We had our Veterans Day ceremony at the National Guard Armory and it was fairly well attended. The event is put on annually by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and the Marine Corps League.   

The number of dignitaries that showed up for the program was appreciated and was indicative of their dedication to those who served our country.

The speaker was Sergeant First Class Louis Pike (Retired). Having a Non Commissioned Officer speak was refreshing and brought a different perspective to the occasion. NCO’s are the trainers of both soldiers and commissioned officers. The NCO’s maintain the discipline, traditions and spirit of the military.

The Disabled American Veterans had a fundraiser at the Golden Corral at Horn Lake on the 11^th as well. The veterans from both Oxford and Clarksdale DAV staffed the table there. The veterans who showed up for the free supper at the restaurant almost to a man (woman) had a hat or shirt that showed pride in their branch of service.

The most enjoyable part of the fundraiser was talking to veterans. “When were you in Nam?’ and “Weren’t you in Kuwait with the…” or poking fun at the different branches felt like brothers and sisters teasing each other.

The Marines showed out a bit in a brotherly sort of way by greeting each other with a hardy “Hey, Marine!” followed by a “hooah!”

The Air Force veterans showed the most restraint, adding a bit of class and civility to the occasion.

The Army, well it just depended on your specialty and the unit you most identified with. I remember a couple of Black Horse veterans, some Screaming Eagles and First Cavalry who made a strong showing. Other veterans of various specialties and branches made up the line of brothers and sisters.

These Veterans all had one thing in common- when called, they served. Different experiences in the service of our country with a common bond of commitment. There were no strangers at supper that night.