DUANE SHERRILL Editor

Tullahoma celebrated its veterans Monday on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month at South Jackson Performing Arts Center following the annual Tribute Train.

Tullahoma Mayor Lynn Sebourn kicked things off with a greeting for the hundreds in attendance in the packed theater. The Tullahoma High School Marine Corps JORTC Wildcat Battalion under the direction of Col J.J. Johnson, U.S. Marine Corps (retired), who presented the colors before the THS Brass Ensemble under the direction of Justin Scott, Lisa Burden and Johnathan Johnson performed the National Anthem. Past American Legion Post 42 Commander Marcus Welden then led the Pledge of Allegiance before Rev. Martin Nutter of Faith Lutheran Church, a retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. and Chaplain led the prayer.

“We praise you for their courage and unwavering dedication to service,” Rev. Nutter prayed for veterans.

The THS Chamber Singers under the direction of Melissa Hinds then performed a number before retired U.S. Air Force Col. Pat Eagan took the stage. During his address, he pointed to the man’s contributions veterans not only made during their service but the many thing they do as productive citizens.

“They are contributors of service to their community,” he said, noting he has been thrilled to volunteer to help with the Honor Flight for veterans. “They volunteer in many areas like their churches, schools and veteran support organizations.”

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Curtis Hice then performed, “You Don’t Have to be Strong Anymore” to a standing ovation. Hice penned the song himself.

The Chamber Singers returned to the stage against and sang “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” before retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Jim Jolliffe spoke.

He spoke about how the military upholds the American ideals.

“They represent the best of the American ideal,” he said, noting that veterans also invest back into their community once their military service is done. “There is much veteran investment in shaping U.S. policy through organizations like the VFW, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.”

He then introduced the keynote speaker, Col. Grant A. Mizell, AEDC Commander.

The Commander talked about the core values that veterans bring to their communities.

“They define who we are as a community and a nation,” he said, noting that without the sacrifice and service, America would suffer. “Without that sacrifice, our country would not be safe. You’ve earned our thanks.”

After the Commander’s comments, Sadler Duncan, Evan Nalin and Hobbs Schwer from Boy Scout Troop 402 under the direction of Lyle Russell held a flag-folding ceremony. Jon Gray then read the names of Tullahoma’s passed veterans and performed “Faithful Soldier” before Taps was played.

City Administrator Jason Quick then capped the event by pointing out the kinship that exists before the military and Tullahoma, noting he is here because his grandfather was stationed at Camp Forrest and settled down in the area.

“I want to say thank you for what you’ve done for our city,” he said to the veterans, noting every day is Veterans Day in Tullahoma.