Catoosa County and the city of Ringgold observed Veterans Day with word, song and prayer on a chilly November evening.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be here today with all of you as we celebrate and remember those who fought, died and served to preserve our freedoms,” Keith Greene said to a crowd assembled at the Catoosa Citizens’ and Veterans’ Memorial.
Ronnie Lea, of VFW Post 3679 in Fort Oglethorpe, left, and Keith Greene, Catoosa County Commission chairman, center, present Ken Marks with the Catoosa County Veteran of the Year award.The chairman of the County Board of Commissioners and a retired U.S. Army officer, Greene asked all veterans attending the annual “Tribute to America” to stand.
“These veterans have endured great hardships, separation from family and drastically altered lifestyles,” he said. “Some experienced the horrors of war. All sacrificed something so that we could enjoy the freedoms we have today. These are ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things.”
Veterans Day was originally know as Armistice Day, a time to commemorate the end of combat during World War I. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 was when an armistice to end what was considered the “war to end all wars” was signed.