Greene Publishing, Inc. Photo By Carole Mitchell November 10, 2016
Members of the Madison community presented an informative and patriotic tribute to veterans at the Senior Citizens Center of Madison. Pictured from left to right are Edna Ealy, former Marine, District 3 County Commissioner Ronnie Moore who served in the Air Force, Oliver Bradley, master of ceremonies, veteran and 23 year officer for Madison County Veterans Services, Rev. Robert Roundtree, whose son is preparing for his third Navy deployment, and Veteran Marlon Webb.
Carole Mitchell, Greene Publishing, Inc.
On Thursday, Nov. 10, the Senior Citizens Center presented a Veterans Day program. Oliver J. Bradley was the Master of Ceremonies. During this morning program, audience members stood and shared both their individual veteran statuses as well as the statuses of their family members who served.
Special musical tributes were played to recognize all of our countries military branches. The Army Goes Rolling On, Anchors Aweigh for the Navy, the Air Force's Wild Blue Yonder, the Marine Hymm and the US Coast Guard theme, Semper Paratus, were sung by all in attendance.
Lisa Frieman gave a moving rendition of the Charles M. Province poem, “It is the Soldier.”
Oliver J. Bradley, veteran and 23 year officer with Madison County Veterans Service, solemnly gave a stirring oration for the Missing Man Table of Honor Ceremony, to recognize Prisoners of War (POW) and veterans Missing in Action (MIA). Sgt. Jimmy Alkens, Army, respectfully pointed out the carefully placed items on the table set for one.
POW's were captured during a battle. MIA's remain unaccounted for as a result of a hostile action.
Madison County District 3 Commissioner Ronnie Moore, talked about being a Air Force Veteran. Moore recognized and thanked Veterans for their services. He went on to provide interesting statistics regarding Veterans in the State of Florida.
Most veteran friendly state with more than 1.5 million veterans;
Veterans represent 12% of the 18 and over population (in Florida);
Over 498,000 Vietnam Veterans call Florida home;
Each Florida county has a dedicated Veterans Services Office;
The Sunshine State is home to the third largest population of Women Veterans in the nation with more than 160,000.
For additional information regarding veterans service in Florida, visit the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs at www.floridavets.org.