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Veterans’ Day marked with parade and ceremony in Jasper

A large crowd paid tribute to the men and women who gave so much for all Americans today in Jasper. In honor of Veterans’ Day, a parade and a ceremony were held and attended by hundreds. From infants to the century mark, Pickens Countians of all ages gave homage to our heroes.Not only were Pickens Countians in the crowd as native Floridians and Michiganders were also here in the mountains to pay their respects.

The parade was marked by dignitaries, military members, the Pride of Pickens band, emergency service personnel as well as a riderless horse – symbolizing fallen soldiers.

The ceremony was dedicated in memory of Commander Von Hinton. He had been integral to the community through service and the Veterans’ Day festivities for more than 20 years prior to his death on May 13.

Tom Lindsey said of Hinton,

“He was a public servant and he was a true patriot. And I, for one, will miss him.”

In his stead, Lt. Colonel Arlen Wrens was master of ceremony. The raising of the flag, the National Anthem and invocation by Pastor Chip Wilson of Jasper United Methodist Church got the ceremony rolling.

Guest speaker was Brigadier General Dennis Shortal who reminded attendees of the history of Veterans’ Day and its predecessor, Armistice Day, for the past 94 years. He gave every one pause as he outlined what it means to be not only a soldier, but also the families who support our soldiers. Shortal called for a moment of silence for those who gave their lives for our freedoms. He then continued.

“The important thing to remember is, it wasn’t a movie. They don’t just clean up after the scene and come back out. They gave up all their tomorrows so that you and I could have our today,”

said Shortal.

“Because of them, you and I are standing here today as free men and women in the greatest country on the face of the Earth.”

Boy Scout Troop 228 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 47 placed memorial wreaths for those who’ve lost their lives in service. It was followed by the D.A.V. Honor Guard of Chapter 47 giving a 21 gun salute and Jasper Lions Club’s Leslie Miller playing TAPS on the trumpet.

Pickens County Commissioner Rob Jones was a proud participant. He stated,

“This was beautifully done. There was a big crowd and beautiful weather to remember our veterans. It is well-deserved.”

The Jasper Lions Club were the hosts.

A list of Pickens County Veterans honored includes:

From World War I:
Charles M. Barrett
John W. Barrett
Grover Cleveland Brooks
Homer Carver
William Champion
Charlie Disharoon
Frank Elrod
Howard Lee Minter
Claude L. Moss
William V. McBee
Charles Pendley
Arthur Roland
Pleas B. Russell
Joe Tatum
Joseph B. Teague

From World War II:
Donnas Hank Boyd
Linton Bruce
Hilburn Bunch
Newman Columbus Bunch
David Winston Champion
James T. Champion
George M. Dodd
Robert H. Dorsey
Charles C. Evans
Sam T. Fitts
Welford A. Fitzsimmons
James Hugh Fowler
Willie Frank Free
McFarland Gayton
Paul Junior Gayton
George W. Hayes
Mose Washington Hendrix
Estel F. Holbert
Herbert C. Holbert
James W. Hulsey
Joseph Lewis Jarrett
Clifford Waldo Owenby
James Hugh (Sam) Philyaw
Robert L. Pittman
George Lewis Pruitt
C.F. Reeves
Theodore Benjamin Reece
Lee H. Shipman
Joe F. Stanfield
Bennie L. Stephens
Henry Stephens
Dallas Glenn Thacker
John William Wehunt
Raynolds James Young