Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant was the special guest of honor at Saturday’s Wreaths Across America event held at Osyka Veterans Park.
The governor gave an impassioned speech in support of veterans and cited John F. Kennedy’s depiction of veterans as the “watchmen on the walls of world freedom.”
Gently repeating that phrase, Bryant continued to quote Kennedy and said, “we are meant to exercise our strength with wisdom and restraint... to achieve that ancient vision of peace on earth and good will to men.
“If the Lord does not keep the city, the watchmen awaken but in vain,” Bryant said.
Bryant noted that the Special Forces that killed Osama bin Laden sent back one message.
“The mission has been achieved for God and for Country,” the governor said.
Bryant then addressed those currently serving.
“For those that worry about the future of our nation, I take exception with that, and I have met many of our men and woman that have been deployed. I can assure you this generation is second to none.”
Bryant concluded by saying, “Do not be concerned about this nation, these men and woman are the watchmen on the walls of world freedom.”
State Rep. Sam Mims V, R-McComb, also spoke to the gathered crowd.
“We go to the Capitol and battle one another, but you sacrifice the most. We are very mindful of our veterans and National Guard,” Mims said. “We look at what we can do to make sure you are taken care of. You are the real heroes. We will do everything we can to better your lives.”
Captain Thomas Mitchell, 1st Battalion, 155th Combined Arms Battalion, oversaw the wreath ceremony and posting of colors.
Mitchell addressed the crowd, and alluded to the fact that military men and women were holding the same ceremony throughout the nation Saturday.
“The freedoms we enjoy today did not come without a fight. We are free to make choices, worship who we please, and teach our children to do the same. In America, you answer only to yourself. You are free to succeed or to fail.”
Spanning the audience over, Mitchell then said: “America has always been the first nation to stand up for freedom. We are hear today to say thank you to those of you at home and those in places far away right now, protecting our country from harm. If you see a veteran or active-duty soldier, no matter what branch they are in, take a moment of your time and say thanks. We owe them that. It’s the least we can do,” Mitchell said.
He offered words by President Ronald Reagan. “Freedom is never more than one generation from being extinct. It must be fought for, protected and handed down to generations to do the same.”
Representatives of all branches of military laid wreaths at the park.
Retired U.S. Army Maj. Tuffy Chambers laid a wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the Army. Others were Retired U.S. Marine Maj. Arnold Stevens, Retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Jack Elarton Sr., and U.S. Army veteran Anthony Sassone. Richard Williams III, son of the late U.S.A.F. Maj. Bernard Richard Williams Jr., laid a wreath, as did Carl Heine, representing William Legier, son of David Legier Sr., of the U.S. Coast Guard. Helen Spears Smith, cousin of Fred “Potlick” Cutrer Sr., and Cutrer’s son, Donald J. Cutrer, U.S.A.F. Chief Master Sgt., laid a wreath in honor of the 93,129 service men and women whose last known status was either prisoner of war or missing in action.
Wiltz Roberts Jr. recited his poem “The Osyka Soldier.” Freddie Spears performed “America the Beautiful” and Allison Pannell played “Taps” as the crowd fell silent. Gene Sharkey was master of ceremonies.
The event was sponsored by the Osyka Veterans Park and Museum.
