Veterans flock to Courthouse grounds

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More than 60 veterans were joined by just as many supporters and family members Saturday morning at the Clarendon County Courthouse for Manning's annual Veterans Day program.

Sponsored by the American Legion Williams-Burgess Post No. 68, the event featured presentation of colors by the Manning High School JROTC, the singing of the National Anthem by Rena Morrison, prayer by Post Chaplain Robert Bowman and a speech by David Stockton Hance, a descendant of one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence.

"I thank God first for the veterans here today," he said. "I thank Him secondly for the courage and faith for those who lived through fighting duty."

Hance, a civilian, was the son of a World War II veteran. He said that, growing up in New Jersey, he was raised to love the Lord, respect his elders and honor the flag of the United States of America.

"I am honored to speak to you veterans," he said. "Words cannot express the gratitude and pride I feel for our armed forces in every branch and every period of fighting and every policing action."

Hance said that, though he has never served in the military, he has seen the dream of America that those service members protect in action. His wife, a native of Hungary, left the then communist-controlled country when she was 18.

"She would always look out the window of her bus as a girl to the red, white and blue of the flag on the American embassy in her home country," said Hance. "She knew that flag meant liberty and the chance at a better life. You are a part of that heritage. God bless the United States and God bless our veterans."