SALUTE TO VETERANS
Heartfelt ceremony pays tribute to military for countless sacrifices

Rifle volleys cracked through the air Nov. 10 as members of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans Cross of Saint Andrew Camp #2009 honored veterans who have served in the U.S. military. From left are Roy Gay, Shelley Cleaver, Jerry McClure and Ken McClure. The previous week, the SCV held a re-dedication ceremony in Rusk on the courthouse lawn to celebrate the 100th anniversary of a statue commemorating the 2,000 men from Cherokee County who fought in the Civil War. The statue was originally unveiled Oct. 31, 1907.

A crowd estimated at 85 gathered on the courthouse lawn in Rusk Nov. 10 to express gratitude to veterans for their service to the nation.

The event, organized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #3406, included patriotic songs, a rifle volley and speeches, culminated by a balloon launch that carried the message to the sky.

Virginia Goforth sings a medley of patriotic songs Nov. 10 at a Rusk ceremony honoring veterans. Karla Thrash sang the National Anthem during festivities Nov. 10. Kim Nickle, president, coordinated Ladies Auxiliary activities. Julie Noel, the daughter of Leonard Berry, accepts a Bible to honor her late father. Cherokee County Attorney Craig Caldwell, a Vietnam veteran, shared his experiences Nov. 10 as a featured speaker.