By Harold Brummett

Star Route Denmark

Everyone was talking last week about the election results. Some people are happy, some are sad, just like always. Regardless of who won, who lost, Veterans Day celebrations continued as always, nodding and thanking those who helped make the vote possible.

We had our Veterans Day ceremony at the National Guard Armory and it was pretty well attended. The event is organized annually by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans and the Marine Corps League.

The number of dignitaries who attended the program was appreciated and was indicative of their dedication to those who have served our country.

The speaker was Sergeant 1st Class Louis Pike (retired). Having an NCO speak was refreshing and brought a different perspective to the occasion. NCOs are the trainers of both enlisted men and commissioned officers. NCOs maintain the discipline, traditions and spirit of the Army.

The Disabled American Veterans had a fundraiser at the Golden Corral in Horn Lake on the 11th^th also. Veterans from both Oxford and Clarksdale DAVs manned the table there. Veterans who showed up for the free dinner at the restaurant almost to a man (woman) had a hat or shirt that boasted their branch of service.

The most enjoyable part of the fundraiser was talking to the veterans. “When were you in Nam?” and “You weren’t in Kuwait with…” or making fun of the different branches felt like brothers and sisters were teasing each other.

The Marines showed themselves a little in a fraternal way, greeting each other with a “Hey, Marine!”. followed by a “hooah!”

Air Force veterans showed utmost restraint, adding a touch of class and civility to the occasion.

The military, well, it just depended on your major and the unit you identified with the most. I remember some Black Horse veterans, some Screaming Eagles and the First Cavalry putting on a strong show. Other veterans of various specialties and branches made up the line of brothers and sisters.

These veterans all had one thing in common: when called, they served. Different experiences in the service of our country with a common bond of commitment. There were no strangers at dinner that night.