By Malcolm Butler
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker won’t allow his city to forget Veteran’s Day.
During Friday morning’s Veteran’s Day Celebration at Railroad Park, Walker recalled his first year as the mayor of Ruston.
“When I became mayor eight years ago, Veteran’s Day rolled around and we didn’t have anything,” said Walker. “I was literally embarrassed. I went to James Austin the next day and said ‘James, never again will we let Veteran’s Day roll by without honoring the people who served our country.'”
Austin and his committee went to work and Friday’s event was the culmination of a lot of hard work by individuals who want to help honor military veterans.
“Today we have so much to be thankful for as I think about this week,” said Walker. “Voting day was Tuesday. That is because people fought and died and served our country so we have that freedom. I say from the bottom of my heart thank you veterans and thank you to the families of veterans for what you have done to allow us to have a great city like we have and a great country like we have.”
Many of those people were among a strong turnout that gathered for the heroes celebration that was highlighted by keynote speaker Brigadier General Cindy Haygood, who was introduced by State Representative Chris Turner.
Among her key points was the reason that November the 11th was chosen as Veteran’s Day.
“An armistice, or temporary suspension of hostilities between the allied nations and Germany went into affect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11month,” said Brigadier General Haygood. “For that reason, November the 11th was generally regarded as the end of all wars. Armistice Day which changed to Veteran’s Day in 1954 to honor all veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
Brigadier General Haygood mentioned that less than one percent of Americans serve in the armed forces and that they “unique people that live uncommon lives under a common banner.”
“Each year we set this year aside to celebrate and pay tribute to America’s veterans for their devotion, patriotism, selfless service and sacrifice,” she said. “It is their loyalty to our country and their great courage that has made the United States what it is today. For more than two centuries we have been the land of the free and the home of the brave, a beacon of hope in an increasingly complex world. We say thank you not only to the service members, but also to their families for they too have served and made great sacrifices for our nation.”
In addition to the remarks by Brigadier General Haygood, the celebration included the Laying of the Wreath by members of the United States Army Recruiters; a POW ceremony, performances by the Grambling State choir, a performance by the RHS Junior High Band, and a special tribute reading of an essay by Cedar Creek student Luke Waldron.
The celebration of our veterans was well received by those in attendance, especially the many veterans.
Matt Nantais, who served as a Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps from 1983 through 1987, was one of those. Although he said Veteran’s Day has a special place in his heart, he wished society did a better job of remembering the sacrifices of these brave men and women more often.
“I get goose bumps when I think about it,” said Nantais. “You think about everybody who has sacrificed for this country. I have had relatives that were in the service. My grandfather was in wars. There is a lot of sacrifice. It is something that I wish people would take and look at every day, not just on veterans day.”
However, Nantais did say events like this one go a long way, especially with young people like the local elementary and high school students who were in attendance on Friday.
“Every body needs reminding,” said Nantais. “I see more and more history being forgotten. I think it needs to be taught a little bit more.”
Haygood quoted former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge late in her remarks, a quote that drew some audible agreement from many of the veterans who were in attendance.
“The nation that forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” — Calvin Coolidge
