Judy Martens, the chamber’s executive vice president, urged everyone to attend the ceremony.
“We want to stress how important this day is for our veterans. Surely we can give 30 minutes of our day to honor veterans from all the wars we have fought in,” Martens said.
Martens pointed out that Veterans Day is held on the 11th month, the 11th day, and at the 11th hour to mark the end of World War 1, but now the day recognizes all veterans for their service to their country.
John Bennett, an active reserve member of the U.S. Marines who served three tours in the Iraqi and Afghanistan wars, will be the special speaker at the ceremony. He holds the rank of gunnery sergeant. Also speaking will be Stanley Collins, a retired educator and veteran of the Korean War. He and James Hope, also a Korean War veteran, will raise the flag. Angus Bradford, a wounded veteran of the Iraqi War, will lay the wreath on the Veterans’ Memorial in front of the library.
Melanie Drummond, Collins’ granddaughter, will perform a patriotic solo for the ceremony, and additional music will be provided by the Sallisaw High School vocal music students.
The 21-gun salute will be provided by members of American Legion Post No. 27. Collins, commander of the legion post, said Jim Galvin will be giving the commands for the salute.
The Rev. Vernon Lawrence will give the opening prayer and the Rev. Brian Zinck from First Baptist Church in Sallisaw will give the closing prayer.
For more information about the ceremony, contact the chamber at 775-2558.
All federal, state and public offices will be closed Tuesday for Veterans Day, with the exception of the Gore City Hall.
