DECATUR -- One group in the Decatur area is coming together to remember the veterans who served in all branches of the military. The Decatur Veterans Committee, made up of area residents, is a new organization interested in preserving the history of veterans, of past or present military service personnel, residing in the Decatur area.
Rob Hopkins, who was named committee chairman during the first organizational meeting Jan. 25, believes that we should make more of an effort to remember those who served.
"Everyone knows someone who did fight for our freedom and we do not feel these veterans are given enough respect and honor for what they went through," Hopkins said. "Our local chapter of VFW always places flags on graves during holidays to remember their sacrifice."
Along with Hopkins, Matt McClain was named co-chairman and Jean Johnson was named secretary.
"We just want to help honor these and plan activities to aid that cause," said Hopkins. "If you know a veteran who is buried in Decatur Cemetery or even another local cemetery who does not get honored with a flag, please let the city of Decatur office or any member of this group know about them so we can share this information with the local VFW chapter, the Howard-Parrish Post #9834."
The committee is planning several events in the coming months. Included in these events is the Honor Flight on April 20.
At present, four veterans from the area have signed up for the honor flight, which is a one-day trip to various veterans' memorials in Washington, D.C.
The group is also planning a parade on Veterans Day next Nov. 11 and a wider participation at the Decatur Barbecue in August.
For more information about the Local Veterans of Foraign Wars post 9834 or to join the Decatur Veterans Committee, call Decatur City Hall at 752-3912.
General News on 02/10/2016