Featured Story – salute to veterans
Published 12:00 am Friday, November 16, 2012
Veterans back to World War II, including members of new VFW post 12121, attended Monday’s Veterans Day observance at Memorial Park on Batesville’s Downtown Square where retired Mississippi National Guard General Judge Ed Roberts spoke and reminded citizens that those who contributed, “Must never be taken for granted.” (See related story page A3, photo on page A12.) The Panolian photo by Rupert Howell
By Rupert Howell
Retired Mississippi National Guard Army General and current Chancery Judge Ed Roberts of Oxford told about 140 people gathered on cold Monday morning that veterans who contributed, “… must never be taken for granted. We should honor those who died as well as those whose fate is yet determined.”
A cold wind was blowing at Veteran’s Memorial Park on the Batesville Downtown Square as Roberts made his remarks and thanked all for their service and noted that veterans were there from all wars since World War II despite the weather.
The general noted that America was safer today than before September 11, 2001, and still, “Worthy of our pledge to keep a free nation founded under God.”
Veterans representing two VFW posts and others representing World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq Wars I and II and Afghanistan were among those attending from most every branch of service.
Former Mississippi House member Harry Bryan introduced Roberts following the traditional prayer, presentation of colors by the South Panola AFROTC, National Anthem and lowering of the flag to half staff. The playing of taps followed Robert’s speech.
