Perry Rotary Club honors veterans

The Perry Rotary Club hosted its second annual Veterans Day ceremony Monday. President Penny Byrd rang the bell to begin the program and welcomed those in attendance.

“It is our, Perry Rotary’s, great honor to host this ceremony again,” Byrd said. “More importantly, it is our honor to be in the presence of our veterans and to thank you for your service. We can’t say thank you enough.”

The Veterans High School Jr. ROTC cadets presented the colors as Warner Robins Fire Fighter Greg Fetz sang the national anthem. Perry Police Maj. Bill Phelps then led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Perry Fire Chief Lee Parker led the invocation.

“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day you have given us and the opportunity to live in this great country, the United States of America,” Lee prayed. “But today, Lord, we especially thank you for all the men and women who have served in our armed forces. We are grateful for their dedication, discipline, faithfulness and courage. From them may we all learn the virtues of selfless service, unswerving loyalty to country, the discipline of teamwork and perseverance in difficult and challenging situations. We ask you to bless them all and their families.”

The Veterans High School Jr. ROTC cadets also presented the missing man table. As cadets put together the table, instructor Peggy Miller shared what each item symbolized to the guests.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you the missing man table that pays homage to our comrades in arms who cannot be with us today,” Miller said. “Let us remember our fallen, missing in action and prisoners of war by setting a place for them. The table is round to show our everlasting concern for our missing comrades. The tablecloth is white that symbolizes the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to duty. The single red rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the light of each of the missing and their loved ones who keep the faith awaiting answers. The vase tied with a red ribbon symbolizes our determination to account for our missing. A slice of lemon on the bread plate reminds us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and families who seek answers. The glasses are inverted as they cannot share in today’s toast. The chairs are empty; they are missing. As we look upon this empty table, do not remember those from the past, but remember our comrades. Remember those who we depended upon in battle because they depend on us to bring them home. Please honor and remember them.”

This year’s guest speaker was Ret. Col. Patricia Ross. Ross is the chief operating officer for the Georgia VECTR Center and currently serves as the secretary of the Georgia Veterans Service Board. Ross served 25 years in the United States Office and retired in October 2014. She also served as the vice commander of the 78th Air Bas Wing at Robins Air Force Base before she retired. Ross issued a challenge to those Monday in remembering all female veterans.

“Women are the fastest growing population in the military,” Ross said, “and if you do some research, you will see they have some unique challenges they face. I grew up in a military family. My grandfather served in World War II, and my dad served in Vietnam. In fact, my dad and I first met when I was 10 months old. I idolized my dad, and he taught me early on that commitment to God, family and nation were something that I was responsible for keeping each day of my life. He taught me what service really meant, and it was through my father I decided to join the military. But during my career, I faced several

challenges.”

Ross then shared that each time she moved up in rank she was not respected by her male squad members nor male bosses. She said no matter what, she persevered through working hard.

“As a society we don’t recognize women veterans,” Ross said. “But what the Bible says in Galations 28 is how I us as a body even within the military, as one. We are not asking for special treatment but just acknowledgement that we serve right alongside with our brothers in arms. Thank you to those who have served and serving. May God Bless you all, your families and the United States of America.”

Perry Rotarians then presented the veterans in attendance with a commemorative pin for their service. Lunch was sponsored by Hamby Chevrolet.

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