The spirit of patriotism and gratitude for the sacrifice of servicemen and women of yesterday and today was the order of the day last weekend during Jones County’s annual Veterans Appreciation Day.

American flags of all sizes could be seen at the celebration that started at 11 a.m. with veterans’ registration and exhibits. Veteran Paul Butts was inside the W.E. Knox Civic Center with his display of Camp Wheeler, which served Army personnel during both WWI and WWII.

Veterans from WWII to Desert Storm lined up in the parking lot near Carol’s Park to walk to the civic center to the cheers of crowds waiting to show appreciation to all the veterans for their service to their country.

The Gray Garden Club pinned poppies on the veterans before the march, and the program inside the civic center auditorium began with a salute to each branch of the armed forces with the playing of its anthem.

Korean War veteran Jim Moughon said while walking with other veterans he was reminded of a statement by WWI hero Sgt. Alvin York.

“When asked if he thought himself a hero, he answered ‘no, but I have served in the company of many of them’,” Moughon said. “That’s how I felt today. I am proud to live in a community that recognizes heroes with Veterans Appreciation Day and our Veterans Monument.”

Moughon said three years ago the idea of a veterans memorial seemed an impossible dream.

“It was through the support of the people in Jones County we raised $60,000. It was a team effort that made that impossible dream a reality.”

Moughon presented keynote speaker Col. Lee K. Durham, who recently moved to Jones County, a complimentary granite paver in the memorial.

Durham, the commander of the 48th Brigade in Macon, spoke proudly of the National Guard. The colonel said he wears the Army Combat Uniform as a reminder that America is a nation at war.

“It’s a great day to be a soldier,” Durham said. “A career as a soldier is distinguished from other professions because we protect society.”

Durham said the Army National Guard is the oldest military profession and has served America for 371 years.

“Freedom was earned from the blood, sweat, and tears of soldiers. As John Fitzgerald Kennedy said, the cost of freedom is high but Americans have always paid it,” the colonel said.

Durham pointed out that ideas cannot protect themselves.

“It will always take the protection of arms to keep us free,” he added.

Durham said he carries a copy of the Constitution to remind him how small a document got it all started.

“This country was formed by the principals of our Founding Fathers. The Constitution is the fulfillment of the promises of the Declaration of Independence,” he explained. “We are sworn to protect those ideas.”

Durham said a new generation is now serving America, and it is his job to serve the soldiers of the 48th Brigade, which is now the largest in its history.

“This year 1,094 young women and men have joined the National Guard to protect their country during this time of war. You are called to continue to support our troops and realize that a real threat is out there,” the colonel stated. “We have to trust our soldiers. They are professionals, and they are doing a good job.”