Athens remembered our veterans last Friday with a particular solemnity, as men and women in uniform could be seen all day at the top of Baker University Center, marching back and forth in front of an American flag.
This ritual is performed as a tribute to a particular group of soldiers.
“We do this to honor the POWs and MIAs,” said Cadet 3rd class Dave McKenzie. “We are showing respect to those who have made this sacrifice…knowing that we might have to sacrifice like that someday, too.”
Other veterans in the city have a sense of reverence for the holiday. Athens county sheriff Patrick Kelly holds a spot in his heart for the day.
“As a veteran of the Marine Corps, I feel that this day is important,” said Kelly. “It represents our opportunity to serve for this country and the rights and freedoms soldiers afford our citizens. I think it’s important that we have these rights and freedoms that other countries do not.”
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