The Second Annual Coffee County Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony was sponsored by the Coffee County Veterans Association. The customary ceremony followed the parade. VFW’s Hans Hooker spoke at the event.
“I see a lot of young Americans — some with flags, some without. Some that marched in the parade. I now address you, the young. Look around you here on the square… at church, at home at family gatherings. Try to see and identify the veterans. Talk to them and ask them questions. Listen and learn from them about their service,” he said.
“Honor them, for they are the ones that make this country great,” Hooker said. “Thank a veteran for because of who that veteran is and also for their accomplishments.”
Leading the parade was the Marine Corps JROTC unit cadets from Tullahoma High School and the Air Force JROTC unit from Coffee County Central High School.
“We did so well in the Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony and with zero problems,” said VFW Commander Kimberly King.
“There were 83 parade entries with some coming from as far as Kentucky and Missouri. The Grand Marshall was Ed Reader, Sr, who is a World War II veteran, former Prisoner of War and dedicated member and officer in Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10904 in Manchester,” she said.
Parade awards were given to Coffee County Central High School Cheerleaders float, Ricky Davis who dressed in a wool World War I uniform and marched the entire parade route and the American Heritage Girls Troop 0314.
The Master of Ceremonies was Hans Hooker, retired U.S. Army veteran. Cyndi Clower sang the National Anthem and a variety of other songs after the ceremony. The Color Guard Unit was performed by the Marine Corps JROTC unit cadets from Tullahoma High School.
Twenty six students received the VFW Young American Award for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance properly.
Brandon Tax and Bookkeeping posted photos in their window of veterans in Coffee County, most of whom are very active in the community.
The Coffee County Veterans Association is comprised of the American Legion Gold Post 78, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10904, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90 and Marine Corps League Detachment 1128. The CCVA is located at 130 Shelton Road in Manchester.
