Veterans Day Program & Luncheon in Hope

The annual Veterans Day program was held Saturday (11-11) at the old Hempstead County Courthouse.  Hempstead County Judge Jerry Crane (himself a veteran) opened the ceremony and asked the crowd to pray for the military and thanked the veterans.  Drake Anderson voiced the opening prayer with the colors presented by Scouts from Troop 5 in Hope.  Hollyn Ennis sang the national anthem after the Pledge of Allegiance.

Veterans Service Officer Donna Rosenbaum spoke honoring all the volunteers helping with the service.

The main speaker was Terrie James.  James served as a Captain in the Army Reserves and talked about her family members who served including her late husband.  The theme for this year’s program was the 75th anniversary of women being able to serve.  Women have had roles in the military previously but President Truman officially sanctioned women to serve permanently in 1948.

Mayor Don Still thanked the civic clubs who helped with the program including Lions, Kiwanis, and Civitan.  Revel Kidd voiced the closing prayer and everyone enjoyed a fish luncheon prepared by the Hope Lions Club.