Veterans Honored at South Side High School
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JACKSON, Tenn.- Local heroes gathered at the South Side High School to be honored for their service, Monday. Students and teachers took a break from classes to honor the men and women in the community who have served and continue to service our country. “It makes you feel good to look and see that the young people still take interest in their history,” said U.S. Navy veteran, Marvin Meadows. “That was some of the best years of my life as a young man.” Students in the ROTC program told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News that the veterans are their role models. I thank them for everything that they’ve done for us over the years,” said student Hayley Baker. Veterans said it is special moments of recognition that take them back in time. “It’s certainly a flashback, especially on a day like today seeing all of these veterans that have been on the line,” said War World II veteran Tom Hazelwood. Residents not only honored their living heroes, but paid tribute to warriors who have been lost. “I was a lot more fortunate then some of the friends that I had, some of the men never returned,” said Meadows. “They died as young men, It gets emotional sometimes.” City officials spoke about warriors being the guardians of our freedom. There are reportedly more than 500,000 veterans in Tennessee. South Side High School was presented with a proclamation during the ceremony. The document marks this week in Madison County as the week to celebrate and honor the lives of West Tennessee veterans. “It brings joy to my heart to see that there are still people that are courteous and respect the service that we gave for their freedom,” said Hazelwood. Veterans Day is nationally recognized on November 11. Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I.
