Welcome to Putnam’s Veterans Appreciation Week
Yesterday Putnam County held it’s first annual Veteran’s Appreciation Day on the courthouse grounds. The Winfield High School band played patriotic music as we were surrounded by our veterans, young and old. We toured a POW/MIA/KIA display and viewed the empty place set at the table, the telegram saying someone isn’t coming home. A color guard brought in a display of flags, the St. Albans High School MCJROTC treated us to an impressive display of their skills and we heard from several of Putnam County’s own veterans.
One of the speakers described a veteran as, “Someone who at some point in his or her life has written a blank check to the United States of America, for whatever amount might be needed, up to and including his or her own life.” I’m sure that many of the veterans around me lost good friends or family members. I lost a friend when we were only 21 in the first gulf war, and I know how his family and friends miss him still.
Don Kinnard, Putnam County’s most decorated veteran, was surprised to learn that he wasn’t just there to speak, he was there because the day had been proclaimed Don Kinnard Day in his honor. Mary Byrd reminded us that our actions are needed, not just our thanks — it’s time to dust off our boots and get to work. General Tackett was the keynote speaker, but before he even took the stage he showed me he was a man of quality, making sure to greet everyone young and old with a smile and a friendly word.
Our quality of life here is so good, and I know that we owe our veterans deeply for the freedoms we enjoy. “Thank you,” just doesn’t seem to say enough, and yet I hope it’s a good start. This was our first annual Veteran’s Appreciation Day, and I hope it will become a popular yearly event. Below you’ll see some picture from the day. Refreshing the page will give you new pictures, or you can see the entire set by clicking here.
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