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Pictured is the Fayette Garden Club President Allene Crew.
Photo by Dean Maddox
Local VFW Commander Jerry Fulmer is shown speaking at the event.
Photo by Dean Maddox
Shown is Fayette Mayor Rod Northam.
Photo by Dean Maddox
Shown is Fayette County Probate Judge Mike Freeman.
Photo by Dean Maddox
Korean War Veteran Bob Newman is shown performing the ceremonial lighting of the tree.
Photo by Dean Maddox
Pictured is the Veterans’ Tree at Flag Park.
Photo by Dean Maddox
Pictured is the Fayette Garden Club President Allene Crew.
Photo by Dean Maddox
Local VFW Commander Jerry Fulmer is shown speaking at the event.
Photo by Dean Maddox
Shown is Fayette Mayor Rod Northam.
Photo by Dean Maddox
Shown is Fayette County Probate Judge Mike Freeman.
Photo by Dean Maddox
Korean War Veteran Bob Newman is shown performing the ceremonial lighting of the tree.
Photo by Dean Maddox
Pictured is the Veterans’ Tree at Flag Park.
Photo by Dean Maddox
By: DEAN MADDOX
The Fayette Garden Club continued its annual lighting of the Veterans’ Tree in Flag Park following a ceremony that was held at Fayette City Hall on Monday, Nov. 10.
Allene Crew, president of the Fayette Garden Club, opened the program by welcoming the crowd of visitors and veterans who were in attendance. She introduced Jerry Fulmer, Fayette Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5406 Commander, who led the Pledge of Allegiance. Immediately following the pledge, Brianna Owens sang the National Anthem.
Fayette First Methodist Church Pastor Lyle Holland led the invocation, with Owens singing “God Bless the USA” after the prayer. VFW Commander Fulmer thanked the Fayette Garden Club and the citizens of Fayette for continuing to remember veterans and their wives for their service to the country.
He said that it is very satisfying to see how veterans returning home are welcomed now, stating that back during the Vietnam era, it wasn’t necessarily that way.
Fayette County Probate Judge Mike Freeman said that he is very appreciative of the sacrifices that veterans have made to keep our nation free. He said that veterans actually deserve even more accolades for their service and dedication to our country.
Fayette Mayor Rod Northam thanked the veterans for their commitment and sacrifice, and said that they answered the call to duty when many others did not or would not serve. He said that America owes all veterans a deep debt of gratitude.
Fayette Veteran Owen Sweatt Jr. delivered the keynote address for the ceremony. He spoke about the long distinguished tradition of U.S. soldiers and their bravery, specifically about the exploits of World War I Sergeant Alvin York, who was drafted as a conscientious objector yet became a war hero; and
Lieutenant Audie Murphy, who was the most decorated U.S. soldier of World War II.
Sweatt also spoke about a group of young Army Air Corpsmen during World War II who were given an option of flying their 35th mission to complete their combat tours, or taking an “R&R (Rest and Recuperation leave).” The weary group of servicemen decided to take R&R before completing their combat service, and the entire crew that replaced them was lost in battle. Sweatt said that his father, Owen Sweatt Sr., was one of the men who took R&aR and survived.
In closing, Sweatt told the audience that they should take pride in the American flag and what the flag represents. He said that liberty, freedom and independence earned through sacrifices made by veterans and other pioneering individuals made this country what it is today.
Local musician Roger Wallace played “Taps” to close the inside portion of the ceremony, with the program concluding across the street from City Hall at Flag Park for the ceremonial lighting of the Veterans’ Tree by Korean War Veteran Bob Newman.
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