Veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and even young men home from Iraq and Afghanistan, home on leave, gathered with others on the courthouse lawn to observe Veterans Day.

Still stunned by the events of last week at Fort Hood, the beautiful summer-like day didn’t diminish the poignancy of the ceremony, where prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and singing of patriotic songs linked all in attendance. There were tears, many hugs, memories and “thank yous” for the men and women who fought for our freedom.

Mike Green of Northside Baptist Church, who gave the opening prayer, asked “that we may truly honor those who have done so much for us.”

Organizer of the ceremony, Tim Easley, said it was wonderful to see so many people in attendance, and that at one time, this was the only ceremony in the county for Veterans Day.

“Now, we have several going on all over the county ...” Easley said . “Showing support for our veterans, who serve our country and protect us, and our freedoms.”

Easley spoke about the day five years ago Staff Sgt. Jay Fondren, Wednesday’s special guest speaker, was wounded, and the word reached Navarro County. He remembered offering up prayers for him right then, and for many months afterward. Fondren’s entire family — parents David and Bobbie, sisters Katie and JoBeth, wife Anne, and two of his three sons, Will and Benjamin — were at the ceremony, having made the trip from Frisco and Robinson.

“We can never show Jay the appreciation he deserves,” Easley said.

Fondren said he has had the opportunity to share with many people, individually and in groups, over the last few years about his experience, and the kind of support he and his family received from the people in Navarro County.

“This year will mark five years since I was wounded,” Fondren said, noting the Nov. 24, 2004, date of his injuries from an IED explosion in Iraq. “Last year, our third son was born on the same date.”

Fondren gave some history about the origin of Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, and spoke of how the observance has evolved over the last 55 years.

“We must never forget those who died in service to their country,” he said. “About a week ago, I spoke at a school in Waco. One of the kids asked if I had it to do over, would I go back?

“I said, ‘Absolutely, I would rather fight in their back yard than in our own,’ and the events of last week show us that could happen.”

Fondren’s eldest son, Micah, was in the hospital at Scott & White in Temple Nov. 5 when the shootings at Fort Hood occurred. Within minutes, Fondren said, people were lined up to give blood for the victims, including his buddy with type O negative blood, who gave twice.

“That is the spirit of our men and women,” Fondren said. “Let us join together to honor those who made our freedom possible.”

Included in the program for the ceremony were the names, ranks, ages, hometowns and photos of each victim of the Fort Hood attack. Also included was a special tribute to Donald A. Wilkerson, a young veteran who took his own life several weeks ago in Corsicana.

“We have veterans from World War II, Vietnam, Korea and Iraq all here today, and the tragic loss of Wilkerson a few weeks ago, was the reason this Lifeline number was included,” Easley said. “I have so many veteran friends with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and I want them to know they don’t have to go through it alone. Wilkerson fought for our country, and just wasn’t able to cope when he came back.”

The program read, “In special memory of Donald A. Wilkerson — Veterans, family or friends can access the Veterans Chat or call the number listed below for free help with emotional issues: http://www.oefoif.va.gov/ or 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by trained mental health counselors. They stand ready to serve Veterans or any loved ones who know a veteran experiencing an emotional crisis.”

The Navarro County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard gave a 21-gun volley, and Les Grayson played “Taps.”

“We thank the veterans from each war,” Easley said. “We appreciate your service and sacrifices. We are proud to know you and your families. Thank you. Our country is a great country, and it is men and women like you who have made it what it is.”

—————

Click here to e-mail Deanna Brown.

Click here to Soundoff on this story.