Honoring those who served: U.S. Veterans

By Carrie A. Mizell

Men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces were honored for their selfless giving on Nov. 11 during a variety of local events held in accordance with Veterans Day.
The day started early for 53 local veterans who attended Haven Hospice’s annual Veterans Day breakfast in Chiefland. Representing all branches of the armed forces, every veteran who attended the breakfast received a pin in honor of his/her service. The Hospice-Veteran Partnership of Florida program provided the pins to honor veterans for their service to the United States.
Haven Hospice’s Veterans Recognition Program honors its patients who are veterans with a pinning ceremony performed by a retired veteran in a U.S. military uniform.

Special guests at Trenton Elementary School’s Veterans Day celebration are shown left to right, Mervin Hines-U.S. Navy, Alvin Buchanan-U.S. Army, Bill Cummings-U.S. Marine Corps, Sylvester Davis- U.S. Marine Corps, Ted Henley-U.S. Marine Corps and Ann Jones-U.S. Air Force.

“It’s a powerful ceremony and just one of the ways Haven Hospice serves and says thank you to those who bravely risked their lives for our country,” said Patrick Allen, Haven Hospice administrator.
Later in the morning, students at Trenton Elementary School paid tribute to veterans during a large assembly held in the school’s cafeteria.
“The entire TES student body assembled in the cafeteria to pay respect and honor all veterans and especially those who attended the TES Veterans Day Celebration,” said Riley Deen, principal of TES.

World War II veterans, John Howell and Marion Bishop,
stand with Haven Hospice Administrator, Patrick Allen.

During the assembly, students read essays honoring veterans and sang patriotic songs paying homage to the selfless deeds performed by all veterans to secure and maintain the freedom all Americans enjoy.
The Bell High School JROTC made a presentation of the colors and Cadet Clinton Wood performed a stirring rendition of “A Toast to the Flag” for the audience.
Ultimately, Deen said, “We can never repay our veterans for their service to our country.”
Following the school’s celebration, veterans took part in a parade held in their honor down Main Street in Trenton. The annual parade, which was sponsored by the Gilchrist County Historical Society, included a variety of different entries from veterans of the armed forces to FFA members and Red Hatters.

Members of the American Legion Post 91 wave while riding
in a parade held on Main Street in Trenton.

Once the parade concluded, veterans and their families were invited to the Trenton Depot where a lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs was enjoyed by a great many people, most of whom were wearing red, white and blue.