The annual Veterans Day ceremony was held inside Monday due to rain, but it didn't dampen the spirits of those in attendance. It was held in the second floor courtroom of the Rutherford County Courthouse. (Photo ID below L-R) Spencer Dixon, Vietnam veteran, served as emcee. Myra Simons coordinated this year's Rutherford County Veterans Day Memorial Service. Siegel High School sophomore Tricia Knox read her winning Voice of Democracy Essay on "Is the Constitution Still Relevant?". And the reading of names from Rutherford County who have made the supreme sacrifice for our country. This was done by Austin Umstead and Cody Ward from Franklin Road Christian School.
General Jeffrey Holmes Was Guest Speaker
The keynote speaker was Brigadier General Jeffery Holmes of the Tennessee National Guard. He grew-up here in Murfreesboro and was an Oakland High School graduate. (Note: General Holmes' talk is on the podcast below)
During the ceremony from the courtroom in the Historic Rutherford County Courthouse there was a moving Veteran Flag presentation. World War II Veteran Frank Hayes carried the Purple Heart flag, World War II Veteran Edd Reader brought-in the Disable American Veterans' flag. Vietnam Veteran George Hagglund carried the Veterans of Foreign Wars colors. And Vietnam Veteran Jim Schepers placed the POW/MIA flag on an empty chair those in the room gave a military salute. Jim Sandman then read a POW/MIA resolution.
The Riverdale High School Junior ROTC cadets presented the colors while the Siegel High School Band Trumpeters played our National Anthem. Riverdale High School's John Sulkowski played Taps at the end of the program.
Patriotic Music
New Vision Baptist Executive Pastor Ray Moss, a Navy veteran, and Franklin Road Baptist Minister Mike Norris gave prayers for the event. The music was presented mostly by area youth. In addition to instrumental selections from Siegel and Riverdale, the Elementary Ensemble (pictured below) from Franklin Road Christian School sang "Thank you, Soldiers".
Later the school's Senior High Ensemble (photo below) performed "Song for the Unsung Hero". Both groups were conducted by Justin Pearson, who also sang a solo.
Laying of the Wreath
After the program, the wreath was placed in front of the Veteran's Monument on the southeast side of the Murfreesboro square. The names of every local soldier who died while serving is engraved on the monument.
WGNS broadcast the event live (hear below)
If you were not able to attend or hear the live broadcast of the event on WGNS, we have posted the audio on our website. Just go to wgnsradio.com, keyword Veterans Day to download or listen to the audio.
