Neighbors: Veterans honored at East Mississippi Correctional Facility
Published 2:04 pm Wednesday, November 16, 2016
- Congressman Gregg Harper recently met with Mississippi Farm Bureau representatives in Washington, D.C. Pictured are Mike McCormick, president; Justin and Tarah Ferguson, Coldwater; Samantha Laird, West Point; David and Rebekkah Arant, Ruleville; Matt and Brandi Karisch, Starkville; Brian Layton, Magee; Collin Hutcheson, Saltillo; Will and Kelly Skinner, Macon; Smith Stoner, Holly Bluff; Jay and Kim Jayroe, Philadelphia; Matthew and Lauren Guedon, Natchez; and Cala Tabb, Eupora.
East Mississippi Correctional Facility held its first Veteran’s Day Program Thursday, sponsored by the Veterans of East Mississippi. The program was organized by Victor Rivera. All of the veterans at EMCF were recognized for their service. The program commemorated and recognized the 650,000 American service members who died in battle, the 1.4 million who were wounded, and the 25 million veterans who are still living.
The program was organized by Victor Rivera. All of the veterans at EMCF were recognized for their service. The program commemorated and recognized the 650,000 American service members who died in battle, the 1.4 million who were wounded, and the 25 million veterans who are still living.
Deputy Warden Ray Rice welcomed the veterans and audience by defining heroes as “someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself” and “an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. The program was highlighted with the Color Guard from Meridian High School under the leadership of Major Michael Wood, US Army. The Color Guard played “Reveille” at the flag pole and played “Taps” to honor the fallen soldiers at the culmination of the program.
The program was highlighted with the Color Guard from Meridian High School under the leadership of Maj. Michael Wood, U.S. Army. The Color Guard played “Reveille” at the flag pole and played “Taps” to honor the fallen soldiers at the culmination of the program.
The program also had two inspirational speakers, Maj. Michael Wood and Maj. Steven Jackson, who both served with the U.S. Army. Deputy Warden Norris Hogans called the names of each veteran at EMCF and commemorated them for their service in the armed forces. Warden Frank Shaw gave inspirational remarks concerning the dedication of all the veterans. The meeting concluded with a potluck meal prepared by the veterans.
The Oaks honors vets
Staff, patients and guests at The Oaks Rehab & Healthcare Center participated in a special Veterans Day program Friday.
Landon Duke, a crew chief in the U.S. Air Force, was among the guests. Red, white and blue decorations dressed the dining room while cake and cupcakes were served.
Suzanne Marshall writes the Neighbors column for The Meridian Star. Submit items to smarshall@themeridianstar.com.
