Disabled Veterans Statue, KIA Engraving Dedication Also Planned
Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County will honor veterans for their service Saturday, Nov. 9, with at least two events.
A veteran’s parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, lad by Clayton McGraw, who will serve as grand marshal.
The parade will depart from Gerald Prim Stadium on Houston Street, continuing to Church Street, to Jefferson Street at the square, then continue on Gilmer Street to Brookshire’s. More than 40 entries had been reported.
The parade is organized by Community Seeds, a 501 (c)3 that provides housing, clothing, education and rehabilitation services for veterans.
Those interested in participating in the parade, should contact Bob Kerr at 903-304-4560 or [email protected].
Another special event scheduled Saturday, Nov. 9, will honor disabled veterans as well as local Hopkins County service personnel who were killed in actions while serving their country. The “Because of the the Brave” event will begin at 4 p.m. on Celebration Plaza.
A statue of a disabled veteran will be installed and dedicated at this event, as will the names recently etched into the caps on Hopkins County Veterans Memorial.
The statue honors those who receive permanent injuries as a result of their service. The disabled veteran statue features a veteran who lost a limb and includes his service dog. Funds for the statue were given by the Mickey McKenzie family.
The end caps on the Veterans Memorial on the square feature 144 names of local service personnel who were killed in action while serving; all listed as KIA on the end caps have been verified by the government as having been killed in action while serving.
“They range from one who was killed during the Civil War during a famous battle until the most recent. Most served in World War I and II, 15 Vietnam, Korea too, even the Gulf War on the list,” said Pam Elliott, chair of Hopkins County Veterans Memorial Committee.
Congressman John Ratcliffe will be the guest speaker for the dedication. After the dedication, those attending are invited to enjoy a free hot dog, chips and a drink.
