Jacob Flournoy Chapter of DAR honors veterans from five wars
Jacob Flournoy Chapter of DAR honors veterans from five wars Posted: Thursday, June 25, 2009 8:01 pm
Agnes Sublette led the DAR Ritual and the Pledge of Allegiance. Ramona Moon led the DAR prayer. The band, Memory Makers, played the National Anthem. Afterward, program leader Lora James introduced guest speaker South Fulton city manager Jeff Vowell. A graduate of Fulton City High School, he received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1995. In 1997, he graduated from Kansas University, where he received his master’s degree in business administration. His work history since graduation includes banking, commercial lending and city manager for South Fulton. He spoke on the history of the American flag and what the design and color stands for. At the end of his speech, Vowell asked the question, “When you see the U.S. flag, what do you think of?” Answers from DAR members varied from freedom to sacrifice of the military. He stated as a youngster he thought of ballgames, but as he grew older, his outlook about the American flag changed. After the speech by Vowell, the band played patriotic songs, including military service songs, “Caissons Go Rolling Along” for the U.S. Army; “Marines’ Hymn” for the U.S. Marine Corps; “Anchors Aweigh” for the U.S. Navy; “Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder” for the U.S. Air Force; and “Semper Paratus” for the U.S. Coast Guard. After the music, Ms. James, in her role as the J.F.C. DAR service for veterans officer, presided over a special flag ceremony in which she presented 3-foot-by-5-foot flags to seven veterans, representing the last five wars of the United States. All the veterans were actually in battle during their service. World War II veterans attending were Dr. John L. Jones Jr. of Fulton and Charles Pounds of Martin. Korean War veterans attending were Obion County Commissioner Ralph Puckett of South Fulton and Layman Kilzer of Bradford. Vietnam War veteran attending was Royce Oliver of Fulton. Desert Storm veteran attending was veteran nurse Robin Chappell of South Fulton. Attending after serving in Iraq was U.S. Army Spc. Curtis Boyd. Boyd recently returned from Iraq and is presently stationed at Fort Polk, La. The Memory Makers concluded the ceremony by playing “Under the Double Eagle.” Band members are Charles Andrews and Gordon Jones, both of South Fulton; E.J. Eaton and Charles Pounds, both of Martin; and Layman Kilzer of Bradford. After the ceremony, co-hostess Rose Oliver and Ms. James served a catered brunch of ham, turkey and roast beef sandwiches on croissant rolls, assorted fresh fruit and melon trays, fresh vegetable and dip trays ans a large assortment of cookies, cakes and dessert bars. Iced fruit tea and coffee were also served. The dining table was covered with an antique white linen tablecloth. It was centered with a large bouquet of fresh flowers and greenery in an antique vase. The flowers were a gift from Peggy Lohaus. The hostess received assistance from Susan Rushing, Ms. Lohaus and Barbara Allen-Tidwell. Guests for the meeting, in addition to the veterans, were Mrs. Gordon Jones, Marta Coleman, Mrs. Robert Rushing and Kim Oliver-Milligan. Regent Sallie Ferguson rescheduled the business meeting to July 11 at South Fulton City Hall in the Harvey Vick room. Published in The Messenger 6.25.09
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