Published: November 08, 2009 12:17 am      

Honoring all veterans

GREENVILLE — Veterans will have their day, or days, this week, with several events scheduled to honor the men and women of the armed forces.

All federal, State of Texas, Hunt County and City of Greenville offices will be closed for Veterans Day Wednesday, as will most banks.

All area veterans are being invited to attend one or more of the Veterans Day observances scheduled in Hunt County and the surrounding area.

Monday

— Paul Phelan, Director of Walworth Harrison Public Library, will be speaking to third graders at Lamar Elementary between 9:30 and 10:15 a.m., describing the research and efforts that have gone into the library's feature Web site on local veterans. Mr. Lonnie Beadles, the most "Decorated" Veteran in Hopkins County will also be speaking and Phelan will be videotaping the presentation to the students. Beadles is currently featured (interview & pictures) on the Walworth Harrison Public Library Web site. Beadles will also be displaying part of his extensive collection of medals and pictures.

— Ceremonies for the 18th Annual Veterans Vigil at Texas A&M University-Commerce, will begin in the Sam Rayburn Student Center with Dr. James Nicholson as the keynote speaker. Nicholson served in the United States Marine Corps through five major campaigns in North Korea before being wounded. He returned to earn a medical degree at Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and is currently a part of the medical group, Primary Care Associates of Greenville. After the opening ceremony, a Vigil Flame will be lit at 12:30 p.m. on the East Lawn and will burn continuously until the conclusion of ceremonies on Wednesday.

— A performance by the United States Navy Band, Freedom, is scheduled at 6 p.m. in the Ferguson Social Sciences building. Freedom is presented by the director of Navy Band Mid-South. The free concert is open to the public.

Tuesday

— The annual Hunt County Veterans Day celebration is scheduled for 10 a.m. on the north side of the Hunt County Courthouse in downtown Greenville. Ceremonies will include an introduction by County Judge John Horn, a presentation by the Hunt County Veteran’s Honor Guard, patriotic music from the Greenville High School Band and 354th District Court Judge Richard A. Beacom serving at guest speaker.

— A Veterans Day program is scheduled at 9 a.m. in the new gym in the Cumby Independent School District.

Wednesday

— Military veterans from Greenville and Hunt County will be honored when the Greenville school district presents its Veterans Day of Remembrance Program at 9:30 a.m. at the Greenville High School gymnasium. Students in the third through sixth grades, along with the high school’s seniors, will be in attendance. The public is also invited to attend. Special invitations are being sent to local veterans organizations, and organizers are asking that local veterans planning to attend call 903-457-2500 to RSVP. The GHS Student Government will provide lunch in the GHS Library for veterans and their families in attendance immediately after the program. The program is a joint project between the school district and high school student government and will include performances from the award-winning Greenville ISD Choirs and GHS Lion Pride Band. The high school’s new NJROTC program and Hunt County Veterans Honor Guard will also participate in the program. David Gish, Principal at Greenville Middle School, will serve as the program’s emcee.

— Griffis Elementary in Caddo Mills will be hosting a Veterans Day observance at 9:30 a.m., with the fifth grade students presenting a musical program.

— A Veterans Day observance is scheduled at 10 a.m. in the Celeste Junior High School gymnasium at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

— Leonard High School hosts its Veterans Day program at 9 a.m. in the cafeteria. A reception follows in the high school library.

— A Veterans Day celebration is scheduled at 9:30 a.m. in the Lone Oak High School gym.

— Wolfe City Elementary is hosting a luncheon for veterans at 11:30 a.m. followed by a program, “Freedom”, presented by fourth and fifth grades in the auditorium. Those interested in reservations can call 903-496-2032, ext. 13.