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By: Erin Smith
BLADENBORO – The Disabled Veterans held a Veterans Day Ceremony at the Bladenboro Historical Building on Wednesday afternoon to acknowledge the service and sacrifices made by our country’s veterans.
The program opened with the presentation of colors by the West Bladen High School JROTC. Commander David Brown opened the ceremony by welcoming all of the veterans. He said Veteran’s Day is the day to remember those we lost as well as those veterans who are still with us. “Today we honor all of them,” said Brown. The guest speaker was the Rev. William Grissett. During his military service he was deployed to Germany three times; Ft. Campbell, Kentucky twice; and Fort Bragg. “Today we gather here to remember every Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard veteran both active and reserve,” said Grissett.
He said we remember them for their sacrifices and their bravery shown in times of combat. Grissett told those gathered that what had previously been known as Armistice Day was officially recognized as Veterans Day in 1919 after World War I. “In 1783, in rock Hill, New Jersey, six years before he served as a leader of this nation, George Washington was bidding farewell to the continental Army,” said Grissett.
He noted that Washington and the other members of the Continental Army began to make the transition from the battlefield back to their businesses, farms and homes.
Grissett said that Washington believed that soldiers were due civil assistance for their time spent serving their country.
“Simply put, we must fulfill the promises made to those who serve,” said Grissett.
Grissett said that Veterans Day has been in existence for 96 years. He told those in attendance that while Washington’s men endured about eight years of hardship, some of our modern veterans have endured military life and its hardships much longer. Grissett said today’s veterans have the many of the same needs as Washington’s army. Today’s veterans are in need of jobs and to be welcomed home.
“If Washington were alive today, there is no question he would make the same commitment to serve veterans and to honor those who perished in defense of our nation,” said Grissett.
The service concluded with Kristen Johnson performing the song “A Soldier Fights to Go Home” in sign language.
A wreath was also placed at the monument in front of the historical building in honor of the veterans.
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