By Gary Nelson / gnelson@crossville-chronicle.com
In spite of gray skies and chilling temperatures, nearly 100 people turned out Tuesday morning to honor veterans at Memorial Park near the Cumberland County Courthouse.
The Veterans Day program included posting of the colors by Stone Memorial High School JROTC members and Colonel Jay Woodbeck served as emcee for the event. Also featured was Ron Dyer singing the "Star Spangled Banner" and the Cumberland County Young Marines recognized all branches of military service in the U.S.
Colonel Nickey Philpot of the U.S. Army JROTC program was the guest speaker for the event.
"Veterans Day is an important day in the history of our country. It's a day where honoring veterans can be celebrated by everyone," Philpot said.
Veterans Service Officer Mark A. Daniels gave honorary mention to the two oldest veterans in Cumberland County.
Robert Dormagen, 88, was honored as the oldest veteran. Dormagan served in the Army Air Corps in Guam during WWII.
Jack Simpson, 76, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Guy DeChamp, chaplain, gave the invocation and benediction for the event.
After the audience sang "God Bless America," Cumberland County Community Band Director Lance Kennedy and SMHS band students Dylan Nelson and Jaclyn Robbins played taps on their trumpets, closing the ceremony.
