Preparations for Jones County’s 25th Veterans Appreciation Day are complete and ready for the Nov. 8 program that begins at 11:30 a.m. Everyone is invited to honor all who have taken the oath to serve their country.
The veterans committee had its final meeting Oct. 16 and finalized the program that includes the return of veterans interviews. The interviews were one of many activities that were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The veterans being interviewed this year are Russel Curry, Roger Hawke and Jerry Mansfield. The interviews will be conducted by Committee Chairman Richard Combs and videoed by the media class of Jones County High School and instructor Adam Gillhouse.
Combs called the Oct. 16 meeting to order and went down the check list of items on the program. One big change this year is there will be no 5K race to kick off the day’s events. The 5K race started in 2013 and has continued every year.
Scheduling issues caused its cancellation this year, but Combs said there is a possibility the race could be run in the Spring.
The check lists included details, such as the pastor leading the invocation, opening music and a special presentation in honor of for former State Rep. Susan Holmes for her continued support of Jones County and its veterans.
Holmes died April 30 and spent the majority of her life as a public servant. She represented Jones County as State Representative from 2011 until she retired in 2023.
Hollie Walton will be singing the National Anthem at the event and will lead the audience in singing the “God Bless America.”
The Jones County High School JROTC will handle the presentation and retrieval of the colors at the veterans’ event, and TAPS will be presented by Robbie Thomas.
The program begins at 11:30 a.m. with line up for the Veterans Walk at 11:25. Registrations for veterans begins at 10 a.m.
Committee Secretary Bonnie Duke said Scott Walston with Gray Memorial Chapel would be laying wreaths at the Veterans Memorial after the program in honor of those who gave their lives in the service of their country.
Duke said the wreaths would be on display during the program.
