Local veterans were honored greatly all over the county this past week, especially on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Several businesses, like the McIntosh County OSU Extension office, honored veterans in different ways.
Checotah Public Schools hosted their annual Veterans Day Appreciation showing their support of the veterans. The day began with the FCCOURTESY CLA making breakfast for the veterans, followed by the Checotah FFA helping host a spectacular veterans’ tribute at the Checotah Performing Art Center (PAC).
Jade McPeak gave the welcome at the Veterans Day Program.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Rachel Stauffer and the National Anthem was sung by the CHS Blue Notes.
Larry Burton introduced superintendent Monte Madewell who welcomed all who were attending and Rylee Bennight gave a short speech on the history of Veterans Day.
CHS principal Jennifer Campbell introduced special speakers from the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Neil Hayes of District 13 and Tim Turner of District 15.
Hays, being a former Checotah educator, praised Checotah for all the beautiful new facilities they had built from the high school to the agricultural barn to the PAC they were presently performing in. He then went on to honor the veterans at the program.
“I want to thank you for joining us today as we gather to honor these brave men and women who have answered the call of duty, those who have placed country above self, and those who have shouldered the burden of freedom with strength, courage and integrity,” he said.
“On this Veterans Day, we are reminded that the blessings of liberty that we cherish so much, the safety of our communities, the opportunity to raise our families in peace, and the chance to pursue our dreams are not just ideas, they are legacies, preserved by the dedication of our veterans. These legacies remind us that our freedom One of Checotah’s own, Gauge Cloud, who is a United States Marine Private First Class and has earned his title as a Marine. He also received the Marine EGA Badge (Eagle, Globe and Anchor) and an Expert Rifleman Badge.
did not come freely, but was earned by those who sacrificed and stood at the ready to defend it.
“To quote President Ronald Reagan, ‘Freedom is never more than one generation away from distinction. We did not pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. The only way they can inherit the freedom that we have known is if we fight for it, protect it, defend it, and hand to them the well-fought lessons of how in their lifetime they must do the same.’” Turner also shed light of the burden carried by the military and thanked them for their sacrifice and service.
“Even as we gather here, thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and Coast Guard are on duty worldwide, protecting America and serving the red, white, and blue,” Turner said. “My thoughts turned to those who cannot be with us today – those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, those who bear injuries and those working to keep America safe through these challenging times. As we enjoy the freedoms, they stand watch, missing their own families and friends throughout this holiday season… So today we honor all those who have served and continue to serve.”
Bailey Burton and Macee Glover then introduced the veterans that were in attendance at the program while Trey Anderson introduced each branch’s military medley and asked the veterans to stand for their branch of the service.
The Blue Notes sang another patriotic medley, and the Class of Checotah played an Armed Forces medley.
A touching military video reminding everyone of the price of freedom was also played for all and then was followed by “Reflections and Thank You’s” by Jade McPeak.
The FCCLA had made a special veterans lap quilt that was won by Paul Stevens.
Closing remarks were made by Rachel Stauffer and Larry and Bailey Burton along with Trey Anderson presented the “Folding of the Flag” as “Taps” was played by the Class of Checotah.
After the school program, veterans lined up for the Veterans Day parade, which went by Marshall Elementary and Checotah intermediate.
Students from both schools waived, shouted thank you and held up their artwork, showing all the veterans how much they were appreciated.
The parade marched past the schools and went through downtown Checotah.
Several parade participants also went to Eufaula and joined in their Veterans Day parade that afternoon.
