One of the better events all year at Purcell High School is the National Honor Society’s annual Veterans Day ceremony and luncheon.

Always well attended and enjoyed by the honorees, the event featured NHS officers, the PHS band and Select Choir.

This year’s Keynote Speaker was Sgt. Zack Fleming.

Over the years I’ve heard nothing but praise from veterans honored at the event.

It’s a tradition worth continuing because those who bravely fought to defend our freedoms can never be thanked enough.

When you think of the sacrifices veterans made from laying their lives on the line to merely being away from their families, it really makes you appreciative of them.

Both my father, John Sr., and Gracie’s father, Richard, served on active duty in the United States Navy.

It was thanks to my Dad that I received a direct commission into the Navy as an Ensign in Public Affairs.

The whole time I was in the Naval Reserves from May of 1977 to September of 1991 not a single Russian submarine was detected in Thunderbird or Lake Texoma.

I was about ready to retire from the Navy when it was discovered I had been over paid for at least two years.

So I had to continue to drill once a month for 24 months to repay the government what the overpayment was.

And in typical government fashion, there is no permanent record of me ever serving.

Anywhere.

That’s the government for you.

jdm

There was a huge turnout in Lexington at their high school gymnasium for a Veterans Day ceremony.

The parking lot was completely full of vehicles and I was told by a coach that the event was very well done.

Again thanks to all the veterans and for all the sacrifices they went through so we can go about our daily lives, just as we are doing today.

jdm

The videos of veterans returning home and surprising their children never get old.

The shear joy of the kids reacting to Mom or Dad coming back home always puts a smile on my face.