Veterans were honored during several activities on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11.
There was the annual parade downtown that morning with a ceremony following at VFW Post 3916.
In addition, local motorcycle clubs visited retirement homes and assisted living centers in Durant to present veterans certificates and challenge coins.
The parade marshal was U.S. Air Force Major and Vietnam veteran Alvin Jack Wallace. Former Bryan County Sheriff Ken Golden, driving his World War II Jeep, was Wallace’s escort during the parade.
During the ceremony at VFW, State Rep. Cody Maynard was among those who spoke.
Maynard spoke of a visit to Washington D.C. with his wife earlier this year where they saw the World War II Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Wall.
He said visiting the monuments was a humbling experience to see the sacrifi ces veterans have made through the years.
“Each one of those names on the wall, they’re not just a name, they’re a person whose life was changed forever and his family was changed forever,” Maynard said. “Throughout our country’s history, each and every service member who has signed up to wear the uniform, they signed up for duty knowing that the ultimate sacrifice was always a possibility. I always think of the words of Jesus who said, ‘Greater love has no man than this, that he would lay down his life for his friends.’
“I don’t have any words that can fully capture the depth of my gratitude to each and every one of you who have served but I want to simply say thank you.
“Thank you for each one that have served, who have sacrificed, who have put yourselves in harm’s way to safeguard the freedoms that we all know and hold dear. Each and every one of you, you have shown true love for your family, for your friends and for your country, and I pray that your character and your courage is passed down to the next generation.”
Katie Carroll, field representative for Congressman Josh Brecheen, gave a heartfelt thanks to all of the men and women who served and are continuing to serve.
“Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart personally for all of you guys attending this and just showing appreciation and letting us show our appreciation to you all’s sacrifices that you’ve made throughout your time,” Carroll said.
Durant City Manager Pam Polk expressed a deep gratitude to all veterans who have served and sacrificed. She said her youngest son enlisted at age 17 and that he later served in Afghanistan.
“Thank you for the support that families give,” Polk said. “You stay home, you’re holding down the home front that is just near and dear to my heart and for the legacy that you all leave, the veterans, and the importance of passing on those lessons to our future generations of defending and keeping the peace across our nation and across the world.
“You all play such a wonderful part in that. The commitment to our democracy and to what we stand for, the United States of America. I am so thankful for each and every one of you and all that you have done, so you have my deepest gratitude.”
Durant Area Chamber of Commerce President Rob Piearcy said, “On behalf of the chamber of commerce, I would like to say thank you for letting us enjoy another parade. We always think it’s a great day for a parade and there’s not a better reason to line the streets and celebrate than you guys, so thank you for your service.”
Veteran River Current, a member of Green/Bryant American Legion Post No. 039, said she was honored to have the privilege to speak about honoring the fallen, all who have served and those still serving.
“For those who have served in the military, this day holds a great significance, as it commemorates the brave men and women who have defended our great nation and many who lost their lives serving,” Current said.
She said Nov. 11, 1918, is when World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
“Veterans Day isn’t just a day for veterans - it is a day for all Americans,” Current said. It’s a day to remember why they were fighting and a day for all of us to begin our journey of protecting our freedom and the freedom of many future generations. The freedom we enjoy is extremely special, and that is why we must defend it.”
She spoke about the meaning of the POW/MIA (Missing Person) table and also the soldier cross.
The table represents the missing who never came home and the cross represents the fallen.
Brian Cooper, commander of VFW Post 3916, read information from the VFW website.
“Today’s world is often hyper focused on division, and Veterans Day provides us an opportunity to remember that despite different beliefs and lifestyles, our desire for a better life has always united us,” Cooper said. “Every veteran that has proudly worn the uniform of our nation has served alongside countless individuals from differing backgrounds who may even have had opposing viewpoints or opinions and yet, all veterans put aside those differences to focus on the intrinsic values of freedom and liberty that bring us together.”
VFW Chaplain Brian Newberry closed the ceremony with a prayer.
That afternoon, motorcyclists visited all of the retirement homes in Durant to show appreciation to the veteran residents.
Don Papin is a past commander of VFW Post 3916 and one of the organizers of the motorcycle ride.
“We sure appreciate our veterans and we appreciate all of our motorcycle clubs that comes out and supports us and everybody who joined us in the parade this morning,” Papin said. “It was great. We have the Three Valley Riders, we have the Soldiers of Honor and we’ll have the Patriot Guard and the VFW riders.“
