GREENSBURG – Despite chilly temperatures and a brisk breeze, a large crowd attended Monday morning’s Veterans Day program hosted by the staff at Decatur County Memorial Hospital.
Hospital President and CEO Rex McKinney welcomed those on hand, offering a word of thanks on behalf of DCMH and the entire Decatur County community to the veterans in attendance for their service to country and acknowledging the sacrifice of those who served and weren’t able to make it back home.
United States Army veteran Anthony Rader, who served overseas as an infantryman during the Vietnam War, was then asked to raise a large United States of America flag as members of the South Decatur High School Choir provided a stirring rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner, our national anthem.
Dennis Fogle, who helped organize the event, led those present in a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. He then introduced the Decatur County Veterans Honor Guard from American Legion Post 129.
The Honor Guard, firing blanks, provided an armed salute, and bugler Vaughn Tucker played “Taps” in memory of fallen brothers in arms from throughout the history of our country.
The outside portion of the morning featured the SDHS choir members singing a patriotic medley and closing remarks from McKinney.
Those present were then invited to gather in the hospital where a free lunch was served.
McKinney noted the program was the culmination of several months of planning and hard work by the hospital staff members involved and said the hospital was pleased to host such a worthwhile effort.
Kevin L. Green can be contacted at kevin.green@greensburgdailynews.com or 812-663-3111 x 7056.