Veterans Plaza Dedication October 30, 2014
At 4 pm on Thursday, October 30, 2014, Mayor Randall Hutto emceed the dedication ceremony for the new Veteran’s Plaza located at the side of the Wilson County Court House, in Lebanon. Bag pipes played “Amazing Grace”, followed by Lt. General John Pickler saying a few words of dedication and praying over the event. General Pickler is the highest ranking officer in Wilson County.
Post 281’s honor guard was present as well as Commander Pat Unger and several members of the Mt. Juliet American Legion Post. Several other dignitaries were in attendance, as well as about 200 + people and veterans. American Legion Post 15 from Lebanon, and the Vietnam Veterans Post were also in attendance.
In the center of the star shaped pool, the American Flag was raised, and around it 5 monuments to the 5 branches of our military along with their flags were raised in dedication for the event. The national anthem preceded the flag raising. Mayor Hutto thanked everyone who had a part in contributing funds and services to the construction of this plaza. Wilson Bank and Trust contributed $25,000. The county commissioners contributed $600,000 towards the building of this plaza. Mayor Hutto mentioned that “our veterans carried us on their shoulders.”
There were 10 flags in all, and the last 4 were another American flag, a Tennessee flag, and two POW/MIA flags, “lest we forget.”
Richard Huffman
PIO, Tyler Cates American Legion Post 281 Mt Juliet, TN
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