American Legion post pays tribute to county's veterans

American Legion post pays tribute to county's veterans

DNJ

By Samantha E. Williams

11.10.11

On the birthday of the United States Marine Corps, the local post of the American Legion paid respects and honored veterans with a banquet Thursday evening at St. Clair Senior Center.

"Nothing we say or do will repay veterans for their service," said guest speaker David G. Alexander, commander of the American Legion Department of Tennessee. "We can at least show our gratitude, offer our support, and promise to never forget their service and sacrifices."

Veterans and military service men and women were asked to stand during the playing of the service songs so they could be shown gratitude through applause as well.

One lone Marine veteran stood during the playing of the "Marines' Hymn," and Chief Petty Officer Harriet Howard, the only World War II veteran present, stood for the playing of "Anchors Aweigh."

Howard was the recipient of the American Legion Murfreesboro Buster Bedford Post 177's "Female Veteran" award. After receiving her plaque, she briefly spoke to the more than 100 people gathered about donating to a proposed Fisher House for Murfreesboro's Alvin C. York VA Medical Center.

Fisher House provides lodging for free to military service men and women's families when a veteran is wounded or needs medical care, much like a Ronald McDonald House does for families with ill children.

"I'm humbled to receive this award," Howard said. "It is very important that we do not forget our veterans. Some paid the ultimate price with their lives; others were wounded, some permanently. This Fisher House is one way to pay our debts to the veterans."

The project will cost $3 million to be built on the campus of the local VA hospital.

Also recognized at the veterans banquet was Benjamin Shipley, an MTSU sophomore who is a member of the Tennessee State University Air Force ROTC, who received the Future Veteran award.

Sgt. James Ervin McAdams was bestowed the Most Seasoned Veteran award for his service in Northern Africa, Naples, Italy, France and Germany. McAdams was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service medal with four bronze stars.

"Being a veteran is not only about doing one's duty but being filled with a sense of patriotism," Alexander said during the banquet. "Look into the eyes of even the young veterans, and you will see the desire to defend our freedom."