Honoring veterans
By JARED PUTNAM

Master of Ceremonies Bob Woodstock.

Union County recognized Veterans Day Saturday, with a service conducted by the Union County American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. The ceremony was held at The Junior Brackett Room of United Community Bank.

The event boasted a turnout of almost 100 people. "We had a nice turnout," said Bob Spalding, Manager of the Blairsville branch of the Georgia Department of Veterans Services. "It was very well received."

In addition to the recognition of attending POW's (or their widows) and a Ceremony of Missing Hats, which honors missing soldiers, the event also featured the presentation of the Commander's Award. This year's recipient was Bob Huggins, Senior Chaplain of the North Georgia Honor Guard.

Bob Woodstock served as Master of Ceremonies. "Bob kept everything presented in a very dignified manner," said Spalding.

The guest speaker was retired Major General Jere H. Akin, of Morganton, Ga, who gave a very heartfelt speech to the crowd. Said Spalding, "Jerry provided a very knowledgeable presentation to show just what the cost of war really is."