Troops honored despite observance's cancellation

Staff Writer

There was no band, no parade and no cadets standing in formation with flags held high.

The traditional, lavish Veteran's Day Observance, usually held on the steps of the Upson County Courthouse, was cancelled Thursday because of cold, rainy weather.

A small gathering of veterans, family members and others came for the 11 a.m. ceremony, not knowing it had been cancelled.

They didn't just turn around and go home, however. It was Veteran's Day. They took time to honor those who served.

"The weather has unfortunately cancelled the large Veteran's Day celebration," said Minister Joe Giles, who took charge of an impromptu celebration "It's not so much the parade and it's not so much the band, but it is the people gathering to remember why we stop to remember the veterans on this day."

Giles said the point is "to honor all our veterans who, through the years, served, fought and paid the ultimate price for freedom.

"I know that we have World War II veterans , probably some Korean veterans, Vietnam veterans, veterans that have served in other conflicts since Vietnam," he said. "We remember the first Iraqi conflict, the second Iraqi conflict and other conflicts around the world. Those who have served and those who have given their lives always need to be remembered."

Members of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary were on hand to remember and pay tribute to the soldiers.

"I'm proud to be an American," said Auxiliary President Avanell Rogers-Clark. "I came to remember our fallen soldiers as well as the men and women now serving with the armed forces."

Prayer was followed by the singing of The Star Spangled Banner.

Commander Billy Johnston of local VFW post 6647,cancelled Veterans Day ceremonies due to inclement weather.

Johnston said administrators at Upson-Lee High had told him they would not be able to the cadets from Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) this year, so the event was cancelled.