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Smith County honors veterans at annual Veterans Day ceremony
Summary
Smith County’s Veterans Day ceremony gathered veterans, families and community members for speeches, an invocation, the pledge of allegiance, a wreath-laying by Mayor Jeff Mason and retired Sgt. Maj. John Henry, and a Chamber-sponsored meet-and-greet at Veterans Hall (date not specified).
Smith County hosted a Veterans Day ceremony that recognized local veterans, included an invocation and the pledge of allegiance, and ended with a wreath-laying by Mayor Jeff Mason and retired Sergeant Major John Henry.
The event, opened by an emcee who said, “We're glad to see you out here, and we thank you,” invited veterans forward for recognition and urged community support. Organizers named local veteran groups and encouraged participation: the American Legion Post 57 and AMPADS (American Veterans Organization) Post 389 were cited as active local posts. The emcee also promoted veteran services and directed attendees to veteran service officer Chris Litton, noting his office at the Veterans Hall and posted hours.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,” the assembly recited together during the ceremony. The post chaplain, Richie Gibbs, delivered the invocation and retired Sgt. Maj. John Henry delivered the principal remarks, speaking about leadership, service and community. Henry urged veterans to consider local civic leadership, saying veterans should run for school board and council seats and declaring, “We need shepherds, not sheep.” His remarks included anecdotes from military service meant to illustrate discipline and civic responsibility.
The program included a roll call of veterans, recognition of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts Pack 367 for presenting the colors, and a performance of the national anthem by Christian Henry. As part of the memorial portion, John Henry and Mayor Jeff Mason placed a wreath at the base of the memorial board. Before adjourning, organizers invited veterans to a group photograph and announced a Chamber of Commerce–sponsored meet-and-greet for veterans, first responders and families at 3:00 p.m. at the Veterans Hall across the street.
The ceremony was largely ceremonial and community-focused: there were no motions, votes, or formal county actions recorded in the program. Attendees were encouraged to join local veteran organizations, contact the veteran service officer for benefits assistance (office hours were announced as Monday–Tuesday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and Wednesday 8 a.m.–12 p.m., with a Wednesday morning coffee meet-and-greet), and to participate in the post-ceremony meet-and-greet at 3 p.m.
