HUNTINGTON —Veterans from Angelina County and across the country were honored in the 14th annual Veterans Day celebration at Huntington High School Wednesday morning.
Flags lined the red-carpeted walkway leading up to the auditorium, which housed a standing-room only crowd. Master of ceremonies and KICKS 105 on-air talent Danny Merrell recognized 170 veterans one by one as the crowd cheered for the service branch of each soldier.
Joel Andrews/The Lufkin Daily News |
The adult chorus and intermediate G/T class performed 'America' and 'Forever Free' at the 14th annual Veterans Day celebration at Huntington High School Wednesday morning.
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"This is the best celebration anyone puts on in East Texas," Merrell said.
A record number of veterans representing all branches of the military were present, including those who have served in past and present conflicts, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Desert Storm, the Vietnam and Korean wars and World War II.
Program coordinator J'Nelle Short said this has been the biggest celebration to date.
"This is our 14th year. We started very small," Short said. "This is the best thing I have had a hand in because it involves the whole community, students and veterans."
Service members traveled from as far away as Michigan to attend Wednesday's ceremony, according to Short.
State Rep. Jim McReynolds (D-Lufkin), who was honorably discharged as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, was also honored and led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Wednesday's keynote speaker, U.S. Army Capt. Ivan Castro, knows firsthand the dangers of war. He lost his eyesight in 2006 during a battle with insurgents in Iraq. Castro is now the only blind member in active duty with Special Forces.
Heroism as displayed by Castro and his fellow servicemen and women, past and present, was the focus of the celebration.
"We want them to know they are truly heroes," Short said. "We don't want them to leave without knowing they are appreciated."
