By DAVID NICHOL
T-H Staff Writer
Veterans were honored, and some who served in World War II received belated high school diplomas, during the third annual Veteran's Day celebration, held at Mustang Arena.
In addition, four local veterans received special recognition.
The guest speaker, Col. Ed Rolle, executive director of the Employment Security Division in Little Rock, praised not only past veterans, but expressed confidence in the veterans of the future.
"As one of the older folks in this room, I'm encouraged by the youth of this nation," he said, addressing the young people. "Because although there are times when us old folks wonder what's going on, the reality is, each and every one of you understands what this is all about. And when it's time for us to move on, you'll take over, you'll do well, and if it's necessary, you'll be the veterans of the future."
Rolle also said that he had been watching the clock, "And in six minutes, 84 years ago, precisely, the war ended in Europe," and Nov. 11 was originally called Armistice Day, and then Veteran's Day.
"It's not designed to recognize or celebrate those veterans who have died, but those who are still living, -- those who served and returned to their communities just to get back to what they were doing before. But they demonstrated that at one time, they were willing to step up and do what needed to be done."
He said many veterans, during their service, lived in conditions that were "absolutely appalling," and yet they did what had to be done."
He said most veterans don't want to revisit those times. "They weren't good times. In fact, they were short of being ghastly." However, he said veterans to appreciate being recognized.
"But when you look at your grandfather or your father, or one of these gentlemen up here, just remember. You have rights today...because of veterans. Not just these veterans, all veterans, living and dead."
Rolle said that on 9-11 this country experienced something it had never experienced before.
"Some say that brought us together," he said. "And the theme today is 'United We Stand,' and I agree with that, that the country has been more visibly united than it has since Pearl Harbor in 1941. But it does reflect that we will be united, when it's necessary. It's not a matter of convenience for us. And I think the youth of this country are going to lead us further. And those of us who served will be proud of them, as I hope they are of us."
Four veterans were honored with plaques, and with being included on the school district's Wall of Honor. They were Herbert Neighbors, Verle Lee, Wallace Brown and Knox Kinney. Kinney passed away Friday, and his award was accepted by Willie Hall.
School Superintendent Lee Vent and his secretary, Tammy Siler, who helped organize the event, also received plaques.
A highlight of this program was the presentation of diplomas to veterans of World War II. Those receiving that honor and their branches of service in the U.S. military are as follows. Those receiving diplomas posthumously are marked with an asterisk (*).
James R. Alderson, Navy; Vernon C. Anderson, Marine Corp.; William F. Barber, Army; Wallace Brown, Army; *Herman Conway, Army; Elporter Gamble, Army; *Marvin L. Houston, Navy; *Henry Green, Army; *James R. Jayroe, Army; *Albert Kirkland, Army; *Rev. John W. Lockhart, Army; Robert L. McShan, Army; *Frank Miller, Army; Gentle Miller, Army; Herbert Neighbors, Army; Ulesses Overton, Army; Aaron Perry, Air Force; *Theodis Rogers Sr., Coast Guard; *Knowledge Shelton, Army; *George W. Sisk, Army; *Robert L. Smally, Army; *Elmer Smith, Army; *John B. Smith, Army; *Luther B. Tracy, Navy; *Ernest S. Whittenton, Army; *Isaac Purcell Wilburn Sr., Army; *Oliver Williams, Army; *Carnell Young, Army.
Several meetings are on tap for this week around the county.
The Forest City Library Board is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. today. The Widener City Council is scheduled for a meeting at 6 tonight. The Hughes and Madison city councils are also scheduled for tonight, beginning at 7, at each city's city hall.
On Tuesday, the Forrest City City Council is scheduled for a special budget meeting at 6 p.m. Also on Tuesday, the Palestine and Caldwell City Councils are scheduled for 7 p.m., and the Hughes School Board has a regularly scheduled meeting at 7:30 p.m.
On Thursday, the Wheatley City Council is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m.
Knox Kinney, a longtime Forrest City attorney, died Friday.
Kinney served as the city attorney for Forrest City for 32 years. He was a graduate of Vanderbilt Law School, and began his law practice in St. Francis County with Judge O.H. Hargraves.
He was elected to the Arkansas Legislature in 1950, and after served four terms under Governors McMath, Cherry and Faubus, retiring without opposition.
He served as past president of the Forrest City Rotary Club, the Forrest City Chamber of Commerce and the St. Francis County Bar Association. He was also past chairman of the Forrest City Planning commission.
Funeral services were held Sunday.
A vehicle stolen from a Forrest City residence Sunday night was found burned in Lee County this morning.
Windell Jones reported this morning that his 1998 Dodge had been stolen from his residence at 228 S. Beech Street. The vehicle, which had been completely destroyed by fire, was found on Lee County Road 803 about 6:45 a.m.
The vehicle is valued at about $8,000.