Veterans from Clarendon County held their annual Veterans Day program on Thursday, November 11th. Rodger D. Marlowe has hosted this program for the past three years. Marowe is a Post Commander of the American Legion Post 68 in Manning, South Carolina.
“It is a very special time, Veterans Day is when we recognize all veterans and show appreciation and acknowledge our veterans, as well as thank them for their services and sacrifices,” Marlowe said.
The program began with a welcome to the community, followed by the posting of the colors by Manning High School’s JROTC. Rena Morrison performed the national anthem following the posting of the colors. Mark Mccormick’s prayer was preceded by the POW/MIA ceremony, which honored America’s prisoners of war, those still missing in action, and their families. This is also referred to as the posting of the POW/MIA empty chair. Following the POW/MIA ceremony, four wreaths were hung in honor of the veterans.Jereld Brown of the American Legion hung the first wreath. Dennis Reynolds of the Vietnam Veterans Association hung the second wreath. Mary Rose of the Daughters of the American Revolution hung the third wreath. Peggy Sorrell from the War of 1812 hung the fourth and final wreath.The guest speaker for the veterans program was Brigadier General Jeff Jones. Jones, as the guest speaker, spoke about veterans of the United States military and the Clarendon County community. Jones acknowledged many veterans as well as many veterans’ families at the event. The event concluded with Pepe Bradham’s playing of taps and Bob Bowman’s closing prayer.
“I’m appreciative of the Williams Burgess Post 68 and the VietNam Veterans Association for organizing this program. I personally look forward to this tribute to our veterans every year. All veterans deserve this recognition and so much more for their service.” said Mayor Julia Nelson.
