Veterans Day serves as an annual opportunity to recognize those who served in the U.S. military, but in rural communities that recognition can also mean bringing neighbors together to share experiences and honor their service.
In advance of Veterans Day on Wednesday, veterans from across Greene County gathered Nov. 6 for a luncheon at the Greene County Justice Court in Leakesville.
The event featured local veteran Bill Rounsaville as a guest speaker and gave attendees an opportunity to connect with others who had served.
For Shonna Pierce, Greene County’s veterans service officer and a former member of the U.S. Air Force, recognizing veterans means making an effort to reach those who have served throughout the community.
“I make it a point to have events like this so we can talk to the veterans,” Pierce said.
Pierce said Greene County is home to more than 600 veterans, making community gatherings an opportunity to connect with those who have served.
Esau Singleton Jr., who served 14 years in the National Guard, said he enjoyed connecting with fellow veterans, including some he had known for years without realizing they shared a military background.
“It was a nice event and I enjoyed it. I got to meet people that I’ve been knowing, but I didn’t know they had been in the service,” Singleton said.
During the program, one speaker recognized the sacrifices veterans have made and the freedoms their service has helped protect.
The speaker also encouraged attendees to help identify veterans buried in local cemeteries, with the goal of placing bronze plaques at their gravesites to recognize their military service.
Pierce said recognizing veterans also means remembering the commitments made to those who served, including ensuring they receive the support available to them.
“We signed on the dotted line when we joined the service to defend our country, and our country promised to take care of us,” Pierce said.
Contributor: Sami Jordan
