“To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.” -from the poem “In Flanders Fields, written by Major John McCrae in 1915 after the burial of Lieutenant Alexis Helmer.
Two traditional events will again take place to honor and recognize local veterans on Veterans Day Tuesday.
At 9:30 a.m., the Carter County United Veterans Council will host its observance at Unaka High School.
Retired Air Force Chief Master Sargent Sara Sellers will speak, and David Batchelder, veterans service officer, said they will host a missing man ceremony for prisoners of war and those missing in action. The poem “In Flanders Fields” by Major John McCrae will be read.
Veterans and the public are invited to attend, and all veterans will be recognized. The event annually rotates between the five local high schools to allow students the opportunity to attend at least one.
Afterwards, at 11 a.m. at the Veterans War Memorial, Retired National Guard Major, Desert Storm Veteran and Vice Commander of the American Legion Rick Walters will speak at a remembrance ceremony. Also, Loretta Bowers will sing the National Anthem.
The event is open to the public and hosted by the Elizabethton/Carter County Veterans Memorial Oversight Committee, of which Walters is a member.
The American Legion Honor Guard will present a rifle salute and will play Taps.
City Manager Jerome Kitchens wanted thank Mike Barnett for his personal time and money that he has contributed to maintain the memorial and the Veterans Walk of Honor, as well as the Street Department has assisted in getting the memorial ready for ceremony.