On Veterans Day, CSRA honors those who have served

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – As generations of heroes marched, generations of Americans gathered to show their gratitude.

People of all ages, across CSRA, came out to show their support and honor those who fought for our freedom

We spoke with several people who want to ensure that veterans are honored not just on Veterans Day, but every day.

In North Augusta, veterans from all armed forces gathered to remember those they served with.

Behind the cheers, the candy and the prizes lies a lesson.

“Today could be one of those events where they can be inspired to join a particular branch of ministry or to serve later in life,” said Rachel Roberts, principal of Curtis Baptist Elementary School. “I really just want students to be able to have this learning experience and learn about patriotism and our veterans.”

For some, this day is all about giving thanks.

“We wouldn’t have the security that we have versus the security that other countries are fighting for,” said Henry Lewis, a parade spectator.

But there will never be enough thank yous.

“Without their service and protection, I would not have been able to comprehend the education I have acquired over the years,” Lewis said. “It gave me the opportunity to become an educator here, but also an ongoing effort to make my community a better place to live.”

On both sides of the river, generations of heroes gathered and generations of Americans expressed their gratitude.

For some, this day is emotional. It brings back memories that are still difficult to talk about.

For Vietnam veteran Douglas Allen, this day is about making sure everyone knows what it means to sacrifice.

“It has to do with the value of life,” Allen said. “When someone dies, their legacy ends there. They don’t get married, they don’t have children, they don’t have grandchildren, etc. and when they get hurt and come back, they bring the trouble with them. It affects their quality of life and the quality of life of the people around them.”

The service of one soldier is the sacrifice of an entire family, as Allen knows all too well

“A lot of these kids were 19 years old, and they didn’t want to be there, but they did it anyway, and then they died,” Allen said. “If that happens, their whole legacy is gone, you know, and people need to know that.”

A lesson that Allen and so many other veterans will continue to teach so that no one will ever forget.

Columbia County honored veterans with a multi-service wreath laying ceremony and was joined by Miss Fort Eisenhower singing the national anthem.

On the other side of the river, Aiken also held a wreath-laying ceremony.

All in honor of America’s men and women in uniform, highlighting their sacrifice, patriotism and leadership.

For many, the choice to serve in our military is inspired by a family member who also served, and the traditions of Veterans Day are passed down from one generation to the next.

One of the big local themes this Veterans Day is tradition.

Many people on both sides of the river gathered to honor those who served in our military and inspire a younger generation of leaders.

“It’s important to be here today because they sacrificed their lives for ours and our freedoms, and they are the reason we stand here today,” said Cody Meador, a Boy Scout.

Meador says he plans to continue the military traditions.

“I’ll probably go to the Air Force and then come back to the United States and be a mechanic,” Meador said.

Columbia County honored veterans with a multi-service wreath-laying ceremony. Meador says he was proud to be part of the service.

“Yeah, they’re kind of my role model,” he said. “I spend a lot of time with them because my mother is the leader of the aid organization, and I like to be around them. I enjoy talking to them.”

Those who have served say they want to help guide the younger generation.

“It is important for us to share with them the things we have fought to protect, and to inspire them to continue to protect the freedoms we all hold so dear,” said Jason Tisdale, Army veteran.

Cynthia Stein served in the military for 20 years and says this day is an opportunity to give back to our veterans.

“If we don’t continue to recognize our veterans and get them out there and get the communities out there to thank them, it’s only going to be a matter of time before we forget to thank them and people won’t show up,” Stein said.

Dwight Bradham is the director of Aiken County Veterans Affairs. He served in the army for over thirty years.

“My father was a Vietnam veteran. He was my recruiter,” Bradham said. “So the day I signed up, I got the bonus of my dad taking me out for a cheeseburger.”

On Monday, Bradham reflected on his time in the service.

“After the first movement into Iraq. I had returned to the camps in northern Kuwait and we were ordered to go out and collect televisions,” Bradham said.

He says this trip showed him that he wasn’t just helping Americans, but people around the world.

“The young man who helped me move everything was from Iraq, and as I was leaving, he came up to me and hugged me, and he said thank you,” Bradham said. ‘He says: ‘Because of what the Americans did to liberate our country, I can go back home to my family. We are free. ”

The Friends of the Aiken County Animal Shelter will reopen Tuesday and will waive adoption fees for veterans or those actively serving.

There will be a Veterans Concert on Thursday at the First Baptist Church of North Augusta on Georgia Avenue from 6 p.m

On Saturday, Grammy-nominated musician Rhett Walker will be at 116 Midway Circle in Aiken at 5 p.m.

Veterans Day was celebrated Thursday morning at Grovetown City Hall.

The Fort Eisenhower Navy Choir and the Installation Support Detachment Color Guard were in attendance.

Col. Brian Youngquist, commander of Fort Eisenhower, said it was a pleasure to speak at the ceremony.

“What a joy it is to know that we are not facing this challenge alone. But we have the support of the community within the CSRA. Your support for military families makes a difference every day and ensures they can thrive in this new era of change,” said Youngquist.

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