By Harold Brummett
Denmark Star Route

Nobody asked them to do it. The idea was like spontaneous combustion, the fuel was there, the heat was
there and it happened.

Last month on the 27th of June there was a benefit held at Harmon’s restaurant. The benefit was for the veterans who reside in the State Veterans Home in Oxford. The fare was simple and delicious – steak, vegetable, potato and a drink. There was no charge for the meal but donations were accepted.

Someone who wished to remain anonymous donated the food and Mack Thweatt and his staff donated the time, facilities and anything else needed to make the night a success.

Mack Thweatt manned the grill himself (despite a shoulder injury) and ensured the steaks were cooked to order and to perfection. The secret sauce no doubt was patriotism and a love for veterans.

The restaurant was full, Army, Navy, Air Force maybe a Coast Guard or two. Of course, the Marines and their families all filled the building. There was laughter, and teasing (yeah, I would have gone into the Marines but my head wouldn’t fit in the jar – a rough deployment for you Air Force types was no room service).

People were going table to table talking like a family reunion of all brothers and sisters who literally pledged their lives for their country. Veterans and families discreetly put money in the can for those who could not be there.

It was a success.

About $1,500 was raised for the Oxford Veterans Home. We know the residents of the Veterans Home are taken care of and all their needs are met. This benefit, however, was for something extra.

Brent Avant, the director of the home, said this money would go toward Christmas, so all the residents are remembered and that the holiday is as special as possible.

Beth Harmon Thweatt stated that her uncle Marton Harmon started the restaurant in 1981. Harmon’s Fish & Steaks has been a cornerstone for those living in the Paris and Banner area since then. Beth has an outgoing personality, a love for her community and a sense of patriotism that extends to anyone who has served their country and ‘borne the battle.’

Harmons restaurant is on Highway 9S, just south of Paris. The area may look sparsely populated, but patriots live there keeping the flame of service alive.