Franklin’s annual Veterans Day parade and ceremony took place at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and paid tribute to those who served.
Early rain yielded to sunny skies and rising temperatures as hundreds lined Main Street and gathered at the gazebo for the solemn ceremony.
At 10:45 a.m., veterans from the Korean War to the present made their way down Main Street from Franklin Town Hall to the gazebo. Greeting the parading veterans were patriotic spectators who applauded and many said “thank you” to each passing group.
Upon reaching the downtown gazebo, the VFW Post 7339 American Legion 108 Honor Guard presented the colors. Master of Ceremonies Ron Norton introduced the White Sisters for the National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Rev. Dale Cannon offered a prayer, and the White Sisters sang “God Bless America.”
Macon County Board of Commissioners Chairman Gary Shields invited Iotla Valley first grader Amos McConnell to the mic to recite the words he wrote for a ceremony at school the previous week.
“Dear veterans, thank you for your service. Thank you for protecting our country. Love, Amos McConnell,” the youngster bellowed.
Harry Bowen Jr., a 26-year Navy and Coast Guard veteran, spoke on his family’s service, including his father Harry Bowen, who was in attendance.
Bowen pointed out the military spouses who kept families going, paid bills, fixed cars and moved while their significant others served.
“You have kept us moving forward, gave us solace in the middle of the night when we wake and cannot get back to sleep,” Bowen said of the military spouses. “You held our hand and whispered, ‘It will be okay.’ We thank you.”
Bowen called on the 23 million living veterans to affirm their oath of military service and preserve American democracy.
Lynn Deegan spoke on behalf of the Battle of Sugartown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
“On this Veterans Day, I urge you to take a moment to thank a veteran. A simple acknowledgement can mean the world to those who have served,” Deegan said. “Whether it’s a handshake, a heartfelt thank you, or sharing a story, your recognition honors their sacrifices.”
The featured speaker was 1st Sgt. Geraldine Ronan, U.S. Army (Ret.), who works at the Veterans Administration.
“According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, as of September 2023, approximately 3,269 of those veterans live in Macon County,” Ronan said. “By recognizing these crucial members of our society today, we hope that future generations will better appreciate the freedoms we have because of the men and women who have served in the defense of the United States.”
Ronan talked about the history of Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day and then what being a veteran meant to her and the challenges it entails while in the service and after, asking those listening to ask their veteran what it means to them.
“The observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11 preserves the historical significance of the date and helps focus attention on the purpose of Veterans Day,” Ronan closed. “It’s a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
After the White Sisters sang America the Beautiful, uniformed service members and DAV members laid wreaths at the flag of the Macon County Courthouse, followed by the VFW Post 7339 American Legion 108 Honor Guard doing a 21-rifle salute and Shane McConnell playing “Taps” to close.