About forty veterans who served in the U.S. Marines, Air Force, Navy and Army were honored guests at a banquet held at the Covington-Jeff Davis Baptist Association on Veteran’s Day. Many brought military memorabilia to share with the crowd gathered and had conversations with other veterans about their service days.

While patriotic videos were shown, the crowd of pastors, veterans and their families were served a meal and welcomed by pastor of Carson Baptist Church Brother Benji Sessums. Those present participated in the pledge of allegiance and singing of the national anthem.

MS State National Guard Command Chaplain Nathan Barber spoke of many instances of valor and courage shown by soldiers in combat situations most disregarding their own safety to aid others stating, “If you knew everything going on while our soldiers are in a combat situation—the touch, smell, and sights, the emotions, you would understand PTSD.”

He asked the crowd to, “Remember Arlington, remember the beaches of Normandy, the trenches of WWI and island hopping, the MASH units of Korea and the jungles and monsoons of Vietnam, remember the blood stained sands of Iraq and Afghanistan and the rows of bleached out crosses around the world that remind us America is dedicated to freedom.”

Barber states he is moved to tears over the service men and women who come back wounded physically and mentally and reminded the crowd that the price of our freedom is not free stating, “God is our shepherd and has been with us since our establishment. Our freedom is more precious than our lives.”

Pins of appreciation were presented to each military person as the anthem of their branch of service was played.

Veterans Service Officer Joe Bridges was present and offered assistance to any service person.