MITCHELL — Veterans Day took on special meaning at VFW Post 9107 in Mitchell as community members gathered at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, for the dedication of a new Wall of Honor recognizing Lawrence County veterans who served in foreign wars dating back to the Spanish-American War.
The wall, designed and painted by Adam Long of Art Happens LLC, serves as a lasting tribute to the men and women who answered the call to serve their country. The project was part of a yearlong effort to specifically highlight the conflicts represented by VFW veterans and recognize the sacrifices made by those who served.
During the ceremony, master of ceremonies Ed Mercer and John led attendees through a program of remembrance, recognition and gratitude.
“Today, we gather to honor the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Veterans Day is a time for our nation to recognize all who answered the call to serve and defend our freedoms,” Mercer said in his opening remarks.
The program included an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, followed by a history of Veterans Day and recognition of veterans representing each branch of the United States military: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force.
Attendees were also reminded of the distinction between Memorial Day, which honors America’s fallen military members, and Veterans Day, which recognizes all American veterans, living and deceased.
One of the ceremony’s special guests was World War II U.S. Army veteran Tech Sergeant James Lee Hutchison, who served with the 490th Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force while stationed at Eye Airfield in England.
Organizers expressed their gratitude for Hutchison’s presence, noting that he grew up during the years surrounding World War I, came of age during the Great Depression, and served his country during World War II.
“His life, experiences, and writings about the greatest generations this nation has ever known make us truly honored that he could join us today!” organizers shared during the introduction.
The ceremony also included a POW/MIA recognition, featuring a symbolic table honoring service members who are missing or unable to return home. The empty chair represented those who are not present, while a white tablecloth symbolized the purity of their intentions. A single rose represented their families and loved ones, a candle symbolized hope for their return, and a red ribbon represented the continued determination to account for them.
A memorial tribute followed, recognizing those who made the ultimate sacrifice. A bell ceremony included the words, “Their duty is done,” “Their watch has ended,” and “They are not forgotten,” followed by a moment of silence and the playing of Taps.
The program then turned its attention to the Wall of Honor and the community effort that brought the project to life. Long was invited to the podium to share his experience designing and painting the wall and what the tribute means to him.
Organizers described watching the project take shape over the past 12 months as a labor of love.
“It has truly been amazing to watch this labor of love take shape and come to life right in front of us,” the ceremony script stated.
The Wall of Honor will continue to grow through community contributions. For a $25 donation per name, individuals can honor a Lawrence County veteran by having their name placed on the wall.
Those interested in recognizing a veteran can visit VFW Post 9107 in Mitchell and inquire at the bar for additional information.
As the ceremony came to a close, attendees were encouraged to carry the spirit of Veterans Day beyond the annual observance.
“Today we have honored the service of America’s veterans. As we leave this ceremony, may we remember that freedom is preserved through the dedication and sacrifice of those willing to serve,” the closing remarks stated.
The message also encouraged everyone to take time throughout the year to thank a veteran and support those who continue to serve.
Remembering the history of Veterans Day
Veterans Day traces its origins to Nov. 11, 1918, when an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany brought an end to fighting in World War I. The agreement took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as Armistice Day, establishing an annual observance dedicated to world peace and honoring those who served during World War I. Congress made the date a federal holiday in 1938.
Following World War II and the Korean War, efforts grew to recognize veterans of all American conflicts rather than solely those who served in World War I. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation officially changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
Today, Veterans Day honors all American veterans, living and deceased, recognizing their courage, commitment, and sacrifices in service to the nation.
Through the dedication of the Wall of Honor, VFW Post 9107 is providing Lawrence County with another way to ensure those sacrifices are remembered for generations to come.
