Veterans Day is especially meaningful for Jessie Hettinger. It’s a time for her family to remember and honor one of her uncles, who never came home from the Korean War.
“We still to this day do not know what happened,” said Hettinger, a member of the Owensboro-Daviess County Veterans Organization who also helps with Run for the Fallen and Rolling Thunder and the VFW Post 696.
Hettinger spoke Thursday during a ceremony at the VFW. The event was part of a national commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A replica of the tomb that was given to Hettinger was on display.
Hettinger comes from a family full of veterans that covered every branch of the military. Her late husband also served. She said they had to fight for years to get the government to admit her husband was affected by Agent Orange, which they did shortly before he passed away.
Hettinger said her late husband’s last wish was for her to do something to help veterans out so they don’t have to battle so long to get their benefits.
“I want to help all veterans that are in need of benefits, housing, whatever. We’ve got so many homeless veterans around here,” she said.
Hettinger said she appreciates everyone who takes time to celebrate Veterans Day.
“I want all the veterans who have sacrificed, all of those who have not come home, all of them to be remembered,” she said. “It means so much to see these people come down here to remind all veterans they are not forgotten.”
The ceremony also featured music from Georgia State Fiddle Champions Mackenize Bell, 21 Count Honors from Robert Brooks with Sons of the American Revolution, remarks and singing from Mayor Tom Watson and Gold Star Mother Cathy Mullins, and the playing of Taps by Jeremy Stephens with the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra.
Several other organizations have been celebrating Veterans Day this week, and there are a few more activities still scheduled through the weekend.
On Thursday, Old Hickory Bar-B-Q and Glenn Funeral Home partnered to give away hundreds of free meals to veterans with a drive-thru lunch.
“We just want to show appreciation for our veterans,” said Bill Blanford, who served in the Navy and is now a retiree who works one night a week with the funeral home. “In a normal year everyone comes out and we can sit around and talk. We can’t do that again this year, but we’re glad to at least be able to pass out these meals.”
The local school systems have been putting on various events — ranging from inviting veterans to the building to interact with students, to videos and presentations, to writing thank you cards.
On Saturday at 10 a.m., the City of Whitesville is hosting a Walk of Honor sponsored by the Historical Society. The event will feature music from Paige Crabtree, remarks from Mayor Patsy Mayfield, the National Anthem sung by Cathy Woodword, and speakers from Sons of the American Revolution.
