Veterans Hallway has been dedicated at Warren County Administrative Offices to honor those who put themselves in harm’s way to defend their country.
“You’ve heard them say ‘If these walls could talk.’ These walls, in fact, talk,” said veterans service officer Ernest Brewington before ribbon cutting during the Thursday afternoon event. “When you walk up and see the photos and see the information below them, they start talking to you.”
Veterans Hallway features about 260 pictures, a number that will continue to grow. There is also a display with the names of Warren countians who have received the Purple Heart.
“We should all be appreciative. We should all be humbled by all they have done to make us a free nation,” McMinnville Mayor Jimmy Haley said, pointing to the picture of his former school student, Jeremy Brown, who was killed serving his country in Afghanistan.
Sarah Tinch of the State Department of Veteran Services said Warren County has done a great service for its veterans.
“Rarely do you see the faces and read the stories behind those names,” Tinch said. “If I had any choice of how to pay tribute to them, this would be the way to do it for them.”
Retired Army Col. Thomas B. Vaughn noted it is key for us to always remember those who have sacrificed so much.
“These were ordinary men who rose to extraordinary heights to serve and sacrifice for their nation,” Vaughn said. “If they day ever comes that we don’t honor our veterans and honor our fighting men and women who are serving now, we will be less of a nation.”
Highlights of the ceremony are available for viewing at www.southernstandard.com.