J.T. Travis, commander of Ellis B. Ordway Post 111 of the American Legion, salutes the American flag today during the Legion's annual Veterans Day ceremony at the war memorial in Mapleview Cemetery. A U.S. Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, Travis led a short ritual in the crisp and breezy autumn air.
The rite always begins at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to commemorate the time the armistice was signed to end World War I in 1918. Ironically, this year's date on which Veterans Day fell was 11/11/11.
Kentucky Army National Guard Lt. Col. William L. "Billy" McDaniel of Marion was the featured speaker at the ceremony. About 100 veterans and residents, including the middle school's history club, attended the event.
The war memorial at the cemetery was decorated with 56 American flags placed by crosses identifying the Crittenden County men lost in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Shortly before the Legion's observance, a Veterans Day ceremony was hosted inside Rocket Arena.
The second annual observance to recognize local veterans at the arena was attended by all middle and high school students. CCMS Principal Teresa Marshall, who originated the idea for the event last year, said it is important to expose the youth of the county to the sacrifices made by past generations, particularly those of veterans.
Coach and teacher Denis Hodge, a former Army sergeant, was the keynote speaker. A solemn POW/MIA ceremony presented by local veterans of all branches of the military was also held to recognize the more than 83,000 Americans still listed as missing in action.
The Legion, its ladies' auxiliary, the local VFW post and its auxiliary, Boy Scout Troup 30, middle and high school staff, school district administrators and community volunteers all participated in organizing the events.
