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Article published Nov 12, 2008 They still serve: Veterans pay tribute to fallen brethren
By Joel Davis of The Daily Times Staff
They still serve, these warriors.
In the Blount County Courthouse, they gathered to mourn their dead, praise their brethren. They were men and women, some young but so many old. They are the veterans of Blount County.
The 41st annual Veterans Day program was held Tuesday at the courthouse. In the moments leading up to the traditional moment of silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the llth month, commemorating the signing of the armistice that ended World War I, the veterans spoke out for themselves, for their country.
"War is hell," said Chuck Langston of the Veterans of Foreign Wars John J. Duncan Sr. Memorial Post 10855. "Freedom is not free. If you like the freedom you have, thank a veteran."
Talking after the ceremony, Langston said he retired from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of service with the rank of tech sergeant after serving at duty stations around the world from Germany to the Philippines. In Vietnam, he served in civilian clothing as an advisor for the South Vietnamese, helping set up communications.
Jim Lawson, another veteran, spoke about what makes a veteran.Share love of country
"As much as they differ in gender, age, profession or ... origin, they share a love for our country," he said. "... The veterans who have served in uniform are the best our society has to offer."
Lawson said he has lived through the horror of war and had seen what the violence of the human race can do.
"I still have flashbacks, nightmares and night sweats," he said. "I'm sure I always will."
Lt. Col. David L. Evans of the U.S. Air Force was the guest speaker. He serves as deputy commander and director of operations for the 119th Command and Control Squadron at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base.
Evans said the military is still building on the legacy of the accomplishments of the veterans in attendance.
"I've studied the battles you've fought and the battles you've won," he said.
Growing up in Miser Station, Evans remembers hearing older residents talk about serving in the military.'In the service'
"They didn't say 'when I was in the Army' or 'when I was in the Navy' or 'when I was in the Marines,'" Evans said. ""They said when I was in the service."
This inspired the then-11-year-old Evans to ask his father what 'service' meant.
"He said service means service to your country,'" Evans said.
Service is the prime characteristic of being a veteran, he said.
"A willingness to serve is the foundation of all veterans," Evans said. "You simply serve the needs of the cause with no questions asked."
Evans is a graduate of Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College. He holds numerous awards and decorations. Evans grew up in an Air Force and Air National Guard family. He graduated as valedictorian from Friendsville High School in 1977. He is a graduate of Maryville College.
Sponsors of the event included the Blount County Department of Veterans Affairs, American Legion Capt. Emerson J. Lonas Post 13 and Auxiliary, Disabled American Veterans Blount County Chapter 76 and Auxiliary, Military Order-Purple Heart Sam Houston Chapter 1814 and Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars Blount County Memorial Post 5154 and Auxiliary, World War I Barracks 3074, and Veterans of Foreign Wars John J. Duncan Sr. Memorial Post 10855.
Evans said that serving in the military changes veterans for life.
"They are still proud," he said. "They are still serving."