Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, was established at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1919. It marked the first anniversary of the Armistice agreement that stopped the fighting in World War I while terms of a permanent peace were discussed. In 1926, a Congressional resolution made it an annual observance, and in 1938 it was designated a national holiday. Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans – living or dead – to thank them for serving their country whether during war or in peacetime. This year, Veterans Day events in Monticello include local traditions as well as new opportunities for county residents to remember, honor and appreciate veterans near and far.
See the tribute banners
Banners honoring 38 local veterans will be displayed around the Jefferson County Courthouse before Veterans Day through Thanksgiving weekend. A project of the Monticello chapter of Rotary International, the banners pay tribute to veterans who have connections to Jefferson County. Take time to come to town, park your car and walk the circle to see each one up close.
Have a hearty breakfast
Veterans Day events kick off with a delicious breakfast, served at 8 a.m. at American Legion Post 49, located at 1065 S. Water St. The breakfast is free to veterans, while a donation is appreciated from other guests. No reservations are needed. Just show up! The menu includes grits, eggs, sausage, biscuits, sausage gravy and fruit cups. Air Force Colonel Steven Trent will address the breakfast-goers on the theme of air shows, appreciation of military air power and recognition of Americans who have or are now serving their country in the military. Trent served for 27 years as a pilot in the Air Force and after retiring flew another 17 years with FedEx. A raffle drawing for an AR 15 rifle will take place at the breakfast gathering, but ticket holders do not need to be present to win. See below for raffle details. This year there will also be a Silent Auction of gift baskets.
Win a gun or a gift basket?
American Legion Post 49 is raffling off an AR 15 rifle and holding a silent auction of gift baskets. The drawing and auction will take place at the breakfast gathering, but ticket holders need not be present to win. Raffle tickets cost $5 each and are available at Robinson Gunworks and Range (705 S. Water St.) and Kountry Kutz barber shop (135 E. Dogwood St.). Additional tickets will be available for purchase on Friday morning at the Veterans Day Breakfast (see above). Funds raised by ticket sales and the silent auction are divided into a building fund and operation of the Post.
Enjoy the Veteran's Day Parade
Parades have been a human ritual from ancient times and have been depicted in cave paintings dating back 10,000! Whether organized around a holiday, religious day, historical event or local enterprise, there's nothing like a parade to bring a community together for a common purpose. Monticello's Veterans Day Parade will start its procession at 11 a.m. The parade route begins two blocks south of the Jefferson County Courthouse and proceeds north on U.S. 19 to York Street. This year's Grand Marshal is Navy veteran and Post 49 member James “Birney” Linn, who will lead a great lineup of parade participants who are marching, walking, driving golf carts, waving from cars or riding in military vehicles. The parade will be a great way for participants and spectators alike to honor those who served or are serving in the military and to those who have supported our military personnel by their actions at home. Come out and show support!
Savor the Jefferson BBQ Festival
The Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce is having a cook-off for Veterans Day, with amateur barbecue and chili makers serving up to the public the delicious food they've prepared for the competition. The festival takes place from 2 to 6 p.m. on the empty lot located at 380 N. Cherry St. (next to Rancho Grande Mexican Restaurant). There is no charge to attend the Jefferson BBQ Festival. Just bring money if you want to buy BBQ or chili. (Competitive cooks and sponsors should have already signed up with the Chamber by now.) Enjoy live music as the Baby Gray duet plays your favorite rock, soul, country, pop, funk and blues standards while you dig your fork into some great BBQ and spoon up lots of tasty chili. Adding to the fun of the event will be a Pig Chase, Corn Hole Contest and Ax Throwing Contest. For more information, call (850) 997-5552.
Visit the “Boots” Thomas Memorial
Monticello is the hometown and resting place for World War II hero Ernest “Boots” Thomas. On Feb. 23, 1945, Thomas led his Marine brothers-in-arms to raise the first American flag on Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima, Japan. The “Boots” Thomas Memorial is an eight foot high structure on the north side of Washington Street, west of the Court House near the Big Bend Transit office. A relief sculpture on the monument depicts the flag raising, and a bronze plaque at its base records the history of the event.