Delta County along with Cooper ISD showed their appreciation to Veterans last Wednesday, Nov. 11. The morning began with a special program put on annually by the Cooper High School National Honor Society. The Hopkins County Military Coalition performed the prelude and posting of the Colors.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Cooper Junior High Student Council and the National Anthem was sang by Sophia Mandell. Cooper ISD Superintendent Denicia Hohenberger welcomed the guests and veterans and Cooper High School Principal Keith Cook introduced the flags. The National Honor Society address was given by Marlana Deatherage. The “Wall of Honor” was described by CJH Student Council President Jackson Anderson.
The Mighty Maroon Band directed by Jeremiah Hastings played an Armed Forces Salute and the Cooper Elementary students sang God Bless American as instructed by Judy Thompson.
American Legion Red Henderson Post 483 Commander Gary Thompson spoke on the Ultimate Sacrifice.
Cooper Band Brass Quintet played Amazing Grace and Matthew Nesom and DeAnna Murphree performed TAPS.
Hannah Foster, a seventh Grader at Cooper, designed a sketch in honor of those who have defended Our Country titled, “We Thank You.” Each Veteran at the presentation was given a keepsake copy of it and of this poem printed.
The Soldier’s Story
By Savannah Hunt
Cooper High School Sophomore
Because of you, I am able to live a free life,
And you live every day to pay the ultimate price.
Because of you, our country still stands.
When you are away, remember you are in God’s hands.
Every day, I always give the utmost admiration to those who are fighting to defend our nation. Many people have taken for granted Our freedom will always be free.
Except, we tend to forget those who have kept that right for you, And also for me.
You’ve sacrificed so much just so we all can be free, and your battle scars were suffered for you and me.
For future generations, the legacy you gave
In this land of the free, the Home of the Brave.
You probably don’t know their story.
You will most likely never speak their name.
You won’t see them in your dreams tonight, but you owe them just the same.
They’ll never admit to being a hero, that’s not what heroes do.
Instead of showing off to others, they fight for the Red, White and Blue.
Every moment, they miss their family.
Every day brings another fight, but it’s just a small price to pay to let their family sleep safe at night.
There is something in you soldiers that makes you stand apart.
There is strength in you soldiers that beats right from your heart.
The winds of yesterday have finally passed,
The time to leave this foreign land has come at last.
Coming out of the ash and the smolder, comes home several genuine United States American Soldiers.
The honoring of Veterans continued at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month on the lawn of the Delta County Courthouse as Post 483 placed a wreath at the memorial. A prayer was given by Bro. Dean Eudy, and a list of local Veterans who had passed away this year was read aloud by Commander Thompson.