It has become a tradition for Hogansville residents to gather at Veterans Park in November. Once again, a large crowd gathers for the annual Veterans Day program.

The start of the program saw Rev. Terry Rainwater deliver the invocation, followed by the Pledge and National Anthem, recited by Mayor Pro Tem Michael Taylor and TCSS Board Member Kevin Dunn, respectively.

The welcome was given by Hogansville Mayor Jake Ayers.

“Days like today are so important for many different reasons…the fact that you can come, park, walk to a school, bring your family downtown is why today is important” , Ayers began. .

“When we say things like ‘We will not forget’ and ‘We will remember,’ it requires intentionality. We need time, despite our busy day… to remember all the sacrifices that so many people have made. Remembering the time and effort it took to allow people like us to live in the comfort and sanctity of this great nation,” he said.

George Bailey, a veteran and longtime organizer of the event, introduced the speakers.

Students from the Hogansville Elementary School choir performed “God Bless America” and read a poem to veterans in the crowd.

Cat Jenkins was this year’s keynote speaker. Jenkins said his plan was to give the military a few years and then return to school. However, after the events of September 11, she remained there for another decade of her life. The armed forces took her to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans, Alaska and other places around the world, until she and her husband David settled in Hogansville.

“What I discovered,” Jenkins recalls, “is that people are good all over the world.”

She also spoke about the difficulties many veterans face upon returning home. Depression and suicide are common among the veteran population. According to an annual report released by the VA, 20 percent of all suicides involve veterans, meaning that approximately 18 veterans die by suicide every day.

“One of the things you also learn is how important humor is, and sometimes there’s nothing else you can do, but you just have to be able to ‘laugh about it,’” Jenkins said. “I want to recognize and thank (veteran families) for your support and patience and, most importantly, for laughing at this.”

American Legion Post 152 Commander Lanny Braswell presented the Veteran of the Year Award to Bryan Barfield. He is a U.S. Army veteran who served as an M1A1 tank systems mechanic and M88 recovery specialist. After his service, he moved to the automotive industry and now works at KIA.

“This is for all veterans. This is for the Greatest Generation of World War II, and after that, everyone who was called to service in Korea…Welcome home,” Barfield said. “Thank you to the veterans of the Cold War… the Gulf War. This is for veterans who answered the call after 9/11 left their high schools and jobs. This is for you guys.

Tasha Burks sang America the Beautiful and Taps was played to close out another Veterans Day in Hogansville.