Heights Veterans Day ceremony still on
Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 10 2009 05:08 AM
By Mason W. Canales
Killeen Daily HeraldHARKER HEIGHTS – The city and its Veterans Council will still conduct its Veterans Day ceremony at 6:30 p.m. today, despite the Fort Hood shooting and President Barack Obama's visit to post earlier in the day.
"It is important for us to continue with our everyday lives, as we continue to deal with this tragedy," Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Bark said on Monday. Parks and Recreation is working with the Veterans Council to host the event.
Not having the Veterans Day ceremony because of a tragedy like this would be a great dishonor to the veterans, Mayor Ed Mullen said.
Mullen will be speaking during the ceremony along with either Lt. Gen. Robert Cone, commanding general of III Corps and Fort Hood, or Brig. Gen. Peter Atkinson, III Corps' and Fort Hood's Canadian deputy commander.
As of Monday, Cone was anticipated to be at the ceremony, but Obama's visit and the continued investigation of the shooting may prevent him from addressing those who attend, in which case Atkinson will be the keynote speaker, Bark said.
Cone said Monday his first concern is to the shooting victims, the families and their investigations.
“I know Cone and he had told me in the past that has been looking forward to this greatly, and I know he will come if can,” Mullen said.
The ceremony will be a solemn event with a traditional wreath-laying by Col. Reginald Allen, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment commander, Mullen said. Those speaking will talk about the meaning of Veteran’s Day and honor the Fort Hood shooting’s fallen soldiers.
The Veterans’ Council is made of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Purple Hearts, The Retired Enlisted Association, American Veterans Committee, Veterans Advisor, 40/8 Bell County, Military Officers of America Association, the Knights of Columbus, as well as local government and military officials.
“A third of our city is veterans and they participate in many of the activities of the city,” Mullen said. “They are putting on this ceremony and most of them have served in combat most in one war, and some in four wars. I think it is important to honor all who participate in the service in our city.”
Contact Mason W. Canales at
mcanales@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7554. Amanda Kim Stairrett contributed to this story.