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[music] It's all about home They've served our country, making sacrifices, and defending our freedom.

All across West Tennessee, communities are coming together to thank our veterans.

Now, on location from downtown Jackson, West Tennessee PBS presents Honoring Our Veterans, a program dedicated to our local veterans and military personnel.

Hello, I'm Julie Cooke, and welcome to this special Channel 11 program, honoring our local veterans here in West Tennessee.

I'm Julia Ewoldt Stooksberry, and welcome to the 10th annual Jackson Veterans Parade.

It was originally canceled and rescheduled due to rain, but this Saturday, the West Tennessee spirit and the sun is shining bright.

The Jackson community also comes together every year for a special nighttime veterans recognition ceremony that's held the Friday before the parade.

Yes, that's right, and WLJT Channel 11 was there.

As we wait for the parade to begin, let's show you some highlights from that ceremony held at Englewood Baptist Church.

[music] Welcome to the 12th annual celebration of our veter.. presented by the West Tennessee Veterans Coalition.

We welcome all veterans and their families tonight.

Please stand as you're able for the presentation of the colors by the Veterans Honor Guard of Parker's Crossroads.

The pledge of allegiance will be led by PAC 205, Troop 205B, and Troop 205G.

The pledge of allegiance is to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Please remain standing for the National Anthem sung by Esther Gray.

[Natonal Anthem] O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there, O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

We have a joint City-County proclamation presented by City Councilman Frank McMeen and Madison County Veterans Service Officer Reggie Sims.

Whereas we gather with military veterans of the United States of America to honor with dignity the service of our veterans, patriots, and citizens, and whereas the American veteran is a firm and steadfast friend of our nation and a defender of freedom who has shown that adversity can overcome in defense of their country, and whereas the American story tells of patriots who braved the line of fire, who cast themselves into harm's way, and who fought hour after hour, day after day, to preserve the liberties that we hold dear, and whereas our veterans answered our country's call and served with honor and pride, and whereas Veterans Day originally, as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, Veterans Day became a national holiday beginning on November 11, 1938.

The name was officially changed to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and whereas today we come together to celebrate the American bravery, American charity, and American valor, both in war and peace, of those who are and have been a light of inspiration to our free democracy.

Now, therefore, we, AJ Massey, Mayor of Madison County, Tennessee, and Scott Conger, Mayor of the City of Jackson, Tennessee, do hereby proclaim Saturday, November 9th, 2024, as Veterans Appreciation Day.

In witness whereof, we hereinto sign our hands and because the seal of the County of Madison, Tennessee, and the City of Jackson, Tennessee, to be affixed this 9th day of November 2024.

AJ Massey and Scott Conger.

[applause] Now, the Liberty High School Junior ROTC Cadets will present the 13 foals of the flag.

Have you ever noticed how the undergrad pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times?

You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day.

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of their veterans departing, our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to him we turn in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for his divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Deceptive Decatur, our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie.

It is with our hearts that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood and mothers, for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of men and women have made this country great has been noted.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he too has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seals, King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in the Hebrews' eyes the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The 12 fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies in the Christian eyes God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our nation's motto, In God We Trust.

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked head, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates and the armed forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedom we enjoy today.

[applause] I appreciate y'all inviting me to speak tonight.

I love any opportunity to educate our veterans on their benefits and their-- let me restate that.

Their earned benefits.

That's such an important part that we that we emphasize.

It is their earned benefits.

Now as I go through my presentation, you will see QR codes at the bottom of the screen.

Be sure to follow us on any or all of the social media platforms.

Y'all will have to excuse me, I might occasionally have to look back and make sure I'm on the right presentation.

I think they're working on that now.

That's okay, while they get that, I'll go ahead and let y'all know what the accomplishments have been for my department, the Tennessee Department of Veteran Services, this last year.

In the last year, our department has added a focus on fostering and supporting veteran coalitions across the state, and our veteran-ready business recognition program was launched in July of this year.

There are many coalitions across the state that we support.

While the West Tennessee Veterans Coalition is marked for Madison County, as most of they support almost every county in West Tennessee and I'm proud to say that it's not just financially.

When I go to coalition meetings in other parts of West Tennessee, I see our friends there.

Now this year, our department not only launched the veteran-ready business recognition program, but they honored 2,647 veterans and spouses with burials at state veteran cemeteries.

Two of our state cemeteries received the operational excellence award, which all five of our cemeteries have received in the last three years.

That is really impressive.

If you have not been to one of our cemeteries, please go.

I know y'all, this area is very active in o.. You should take the time to go and see.

We have addressed 3,272 customer service inquiries.

11,152 veterans have been served by state VSOs in person.

Over 16 million in retroactive pay through our VA disability payments from our appeals team with an 87% positive outcome rate for our appeals team.

If you have an appeal, the fact that you can go to our state and have them walk you through that process is pretty impressive.

When you're the one in that position, it means a great deal to know that they're advocating for you.

There we go.

These are the coalitions that we support, and Madison County.. but what it doesn't show is all the counties that they're supporting.

Go ahead.

Benefits from the state.

There's motor vehicle benefits, property tax relief, education benefits, recreational discounts, employment services.

Go to the next.

State parks.

They have free golf and camping on Veterans Day and on branches of the service birthdays.

Be sure and check the website.

There are so many other free services that you can take advantage of through your parks and rec that people just don't know about.

I'm sure y'all are all familiar with you didn't ask, right?

Be sure and ask.

Next.

What does our department do?

I know that we get confused with the federal VA and we get confused with your local county service office.

We're somewhere in between.

Now the easy answer to what we do is we advocate, inform, and honor.

We do this through our customer service by connecting veterans with local resources and to their county service office.

We have a team that develops and executes our VA appeals.

Our outreach team reaches out to veterans through town halls and local events just like this.

It is our privilege to honor veterans through burial in one of our five pristine cemeteries.

We want to help businesses go from veteran-friendly to veteran-ready.

When I spoke of the program that we launched, this is it.

As there's three tiers of recognition, bronze, silver, and gold.

In each level, it increases the commitment to our veteran community.

We hope that very soon you'll be seeing the veteran-ready business recognition program all over Jackson.

Go ahead.

Now here's some of the benefits of the program.

I'm going to tell you, from Memphis to Kingsport, I hear the same needs from businesses.

They need employees that have all the qualities that are found in service members, veterans, and their families.

The real benefit of the program is that your business will attract more veterans and they can make your business their next mission.

Go ahead.

These are where our cemeteries are located.

Again, please go visit one of our cemeteries.

It says up here that you can preregister online.

That's really important.

I've got brochures out there on the table that can tel.. Why not preregister for your place at the cemetery?

Go ahead.

The veterans' economic impact.

Those of you that have heard me speak know I absolutely love to talk about the veterans' economic impact.

Veterans contribute a great deal to their local and state economies.

This number is not including veteran-owned businesses or any current employment that veterans have.

If you notice, that says $12 billion.

That's in one year.

That's the B word, billion.

That is what they contribute to our state.

Now all of this information can be found in our website, tn.gov/veteran.

There's an interactive map where you can find your county and your county's contribution.

We conveniently have it located on the next slide.

These are the numbers for Madison County.

On this map, you can just click on your county and it will change all of these numbers to your specific county's information.

Know that these numbers are not possible without a strong coalition, an effective county service office, and a very supportive community.

I don't think you can see it, it's so far away.

However, it's got the veterans' workforce participation rate.

This interactive map can be used for advocacy, for grant writing, in so many different ways to better your community.

If you're not sure how you could use it or you need help, all you have to do is reach out to me.

My cards are on the table or Jackie always knows how to reach me.

Go ahead.

Tennessee State Veterans Home.

Who in here has visited a Tennessee State Veterans Home?

They're beautiful, aren't they?

We're fixing to add a new one in Arlington.

I absolutely love going to visit and I bring up the Veterans Home just so I have an opportunity to tell people, stop by any one of them and see what they're doing there.

Not to mention the food's usually really good.

Go ahead.

These are the locations of our veteran homes, and then it's showing where the new one's coming very soon.

Now, please feel free to reach out.

This is my counterpart, Mary Deel, and Dan Moore.

Please feel free to reach out to us at any time.

We love to answer questions.

I have some Tennessee.gov cards out there.

You can give it to a veteran in need.

They can call that number and get whatever resource they need.

Thank you so very much for your time, and I really appreciate being able to speak to you today.

[applause] Thank you, Sherry.

Now, the Missing Man Table is being presented by the Liberty High School Junior College ROTC.

Before we begin our CERT Festivus this evening, we can recognize our POS and MIAs.

The single red rose and a vase.

There's as remembering of lies of each of the missing and their loved ones who keep the faith still waiting for answers.

The lemon slice at each bread plate to remember us of the bitter fate those captured and missing in a forging land.

A pinch of salt recalls the tears endured by those missing their families who seek answers.

The Bible represents the strength gained through faith sustained those lost for our country, which was found as one nation under God.

As invited, glass symbolizes their inability to share the days tossed.

The chairs at each plate stands empty to express their absence.

[applause] [music] [singing veterans song] [applause] During our brief history as a nation, hundreds of thousands of our finest have laid down their lives for the cause of freedom.

Approximately 83,000, excuse me, during the last century alone were captured suffering, unspeakable torment while others became missing and have not yet been found.

Meanwhile, countless others have sustained injuries, some which healed while other wounds were life-altering.

Leaving the veteran to cope daily with a high level of anguish, often impossible to speak of.

Today, we honor, we remember and we thank all these who suffered on our behalf for the cause of liberty and most especially those who have paid the ultimate price for freedom.

Have it given all.

I'd like to call your attention to the table set before you.

You saw a place setting to represent all of those who could not be with us today.

Beside this table will stand a rifle placed carefully within a pair of worn boots draped with dog tags and capped with a helmet that is known as a soldier's cross a memorial to those who have perished in battle.

The Soldier's Cross, or the Battlefield Cross, has its origins dating back to the Civil War, in that when soldiers were hastily buried between battles, the rifle was thrust into the ground to mark their final resting place.

Anything which identified the soldier was placed on the rifle so others would know who eternally rested there.

Today, soldiers on the battlefield are often unable to attend the memorial service of the fallen brothers or sisters in arms.

The Soldier's Cross is placed in honor of those who have perished as a way to pay their last respects.

On today's battlefields, within moments or hours, that soldier that got shot, wounded, is on a helicopter going to a base, and then there it may be in Germany in a short period of time, according to what battlefield they are on.

His brothers and sisters who are left there are not sure what happened to him.

He may be all the way back at the United States before he passed away.

The Soldier's Cross brings a lot of meaning to those that served with him and was there with him.

Let me explain the meaning of the items which comprise the Soldier's Cross.

The rifle.

The rifle, bayonet affixed, is the most important tool to a United States fighting man or woman.

It is the cord, to their livelihood, and key to their survival.

It is thrust into the ground to signify that the one being remembered died in battle, fighting to the end.

It also signifies that the battle is over when the rifle is left in this manner.

The boots.

The boots carry a soldier through the fight for freedom.

They are first, and foremost, important means of transportation.

The boots are placed at the base of the rifle.

They are worn and dirty, reminding us of that final march to their last battle.

Dog tags.

Dog tags are worn by each service member.

They have imprinted upon them all of the important identifying information regarding the individual.

The dog tags are hung from the rifle so that the name of the fallen will not be forgotten.

The helmet is an important piece of protection on the battlefield.

Some believe that the hat or helmet represents what that person stood for.

The helmet is placed on top of the rifle to signify that the battle is over and that a great sacrifice has been made.

It will never be worn again.

The Soldiers Cross or the Battlefield Cross stands in tribute and memory as we honor, as we remember, and may we never forget the service and the sacrifice that that individuals gave to God and country.

Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to thank you for allowing us to be a part of this program.

Special thanks to the West Tennessee Veterans Coalition and all of those members.

We appreciate you all.

Thank you all very much.

[applause] [playing trumpet] Welcome back to Downtown Jackson for the 10th annual Veterans Parade.

I'm Julie Cooke.

I'm Julia Ewoldt Stooksberry.

The parade is about to begin, and as is tradition, starts with the ceremony.

We'll take you to that right now.

Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming.

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, Oh, the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming.

And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave Oh, the land of the free and the home of the brave.

[applause] Thank you so much, Mary.

Good morning everybody.

My name is Mike Bryant.

I'm the chairman and pro team for the Madison County Commission.

We have with us Chief Tom Corley from Jackson Police Department.

Whereas today we gather with military veterans of the United States of America to honor with dignity, the service of our veterans, patriots, and citizens, and whereas the American veteran is a firm and steadfast friend of our nation and a defender of freedom who has shown that adversity can be overcome in defense of their country.

Whereas the American story tells of patriots who braved with a lot of fire who cast themselves in a harm's way and who fought hour after hour and day after day to preserve the liberties we hold dear.

Whereas our veterans answered our country's call and served with honor and pride, and whereas Veterans Day originated as arms to stay on November 11th, 1919, Veterans Day became a national holiday, beginning on November 11th, 1938.

The name was officially changed to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Whereas today we come together to celebrate the American bravery, charity, and valor, both in war and in peace of those who are and have been a lot of inspiration and our free democracy.

Now therefore we, AJ Massey, Mayor of Madison County, and Scott Conger, Mayor of the City of Jackson, do hereby proclaim Saturday, November 16th, 2024, as Veteran's Appreciation Day in Jackson, Madison County, Tennessee as we honor all veterans past, present and the future.

We urge all citizens to observe this day with appropri.. ceremonies, and activities in Jackson and Madison County to honor and thank all those who have served in our United States armed forces.

In witness thereof, we here on to set our hands and calls the seal, the United States and Madison County, Tennessee, and the City of Jackson to be affixed.

This 16th day of November 2024.

Signed, Mayor AJ Massey, Mayor Scott Conger.

[bell rings] [playing drums] [siren] The parade is officially underway here in downtown Jackson.

Thank you for joining us.

They are rounding the corner next to the First United Methodist .. on Church Street, coming around to East Baltimore Street right now.

[siren] A big thank you to the Jackson Police Department, the Jackson Fire Department, and other first responders for leading us off and keeping all of our folks in the parade safe this morning.

They've blocked off all of the streets on the parade route as well.

[siren] Much more beautiful Saturday than last week.

We were so glad that the parade, of course, had to be postponed.

There's city fire chief, Don Schreiber of city of Jackson.

This is a beautiful day, couldn't ask for a prettier day.

It's really nice.

There's a lot of first responders going through the line right now.

Definitely a warm welcome.

All the little ones love the big fire trucks.

They sure do.

You can see them lined up on the side of the parade route.

They're adorable.

They're waving the flags, waving at every single person who drives by.

[sirens] A couple more fire trucks are on the way.

We got a brand new supervisor truck and then an antique fire truck right next to each other.

They look really good.

Oh, there's our Madison County ..

There's Eric Turner, Madison County Fire Chief.

We're also waving to everyone as they pass right too.

I don't know what you all are seeing on your screen, but we're doing the same thing.

This is a mutual thing.

-I think they got the parade.

This is the medical center ambulance.

Thank you for our first responders.

First Responders' Day was just recently.

This is our Tennessee National Guard, I believe.

Yes.

One of those.

I'm not sure what you call those.

-Very nice truck.

-Souped up hummers.

We're going to take a break for a minute while we wait for some more folks to come through the line.

Most of the folks in this parade are walking, and so they'll be walking from the Civic Center to downtown Jackson area.

Some of our little ones love to see the parade and waving their flags so proudly.

Of course, there are a lot of partners in the parade.

The sponsor, the host, the West Tennessee Veterans Coalit.. which funds an amazing program for veterans in crisis.

They provide thousands and thousands of dollars a year to those who may need a car repair for rental payments, for mortgage payments, for utility.

Veterans in crisis and that's what that fund is for.

-It's amazing.

The West Tennessee Veterans Coalition works very hard all year long to do that.

Some very dedicated individuals.

-We're going to continue with our parade.

We have the Madison County Sheriff's Office leading us off with this section of the parade.

They are coming around the bend.

[silence] More people are gathering.

More people are on the steps to the county courthouse around the corner.

It's really beautiful.

Next, we have the Captain Jack Holland Marine Corps League Detachment 735 and the West Tennessee Veterans Coalition.

The Grand Marshal.

They work very hard.

There is Miss Michigan Volunteer Lydia Fisher who will be back in Jackson competing for the Miss Volunteer America later in 2025.

The Jackson VA office I believe with the little red wagon, and Brookdale.

Brookdale Senior Living Center.

There's folks in their bus as well waving at everyone as they go by.

Here's the Jackson VA office.

The Veterans Affairs office.

Yes.

Lots of hugs for this group.

Absolutely.

This is a fun one.

They have their signs.

They're passing out goodies to everyone.

There are a lot of walkers.

There's a lot of walkers in this parade today.

This is really nice.

This is our Miss Tennessee Volunteer Hannah McKay in the black Rubicon waving so proudly.

She's a beautiful girl.

Right behind her we have Miss Hub City and Miss Rockabilly Volunteer.

Good morning ladies.

Nice ride.

Beautiful red Corvette.

Looks great.

-The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is next.

-Yes.

This is the new Gamma Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.

I love the balloons on this truck.

This is great.

Yes.

Look at that.

That would be the Blue Oval SK LLC driven by Wayne Reason's Army veteran.

Ford Blue Oval.

-That's-- -Mary Ann Donovan.

Mary Ann Donovan and another Blue Oval SK.

One of their brand new Lightning trucks.

Have you driven one of those electric trucks?

-I've been in one.

-It's like riding on glass.

It's just so smooth and quiet.

-It's so smooth.

-It's amazing.

-Funny story.

I actually wrote in one with our UT president, Mr. Randy Boyd.

It was very fast.

Very fast.

You can go fast because you don't- -It's like that.

-It doesn't make any sound.

It's like lightning.

[crosstalk] It's like lightning I think.

Here's the West Tennessee Veterans Coalition again.

Yes, with our friends, West Tennessee Veterans Coalition.

This is American Legion Post 12.

Walking proudly in the Veterans Parade.

We have some more folks coming up behind them.

Thank you for your service.

Love to see them waving the flags.

Yes.

Lots of flags today.

It's beautiful.

This is the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Hi everyone.

I see Miss Jackie Utley in that group.

Several vehicles from Chapter Seven.

Yes.

Several vehicles for the DAV Chapter Seven playing music.

Throwing out candy to everyone.

This is the Jackson Exchange Club.

We have the American Red Cross coming up in just a second.

We have the thing.

That's from the Parkway Christian Car Club.

They're always fun too.

They have such a good time.

They have a good time and they raise money for wonderful.

I've seen them at a couple of the car shows in town.

They have a really good time.

-They do.

-Good group of folks.

They do.

Several vintage vehicles.

Parkway Christian Car Club.

They have a really good time.

If you missed parts of our program today, it will be re-airing throughout the months of November and December.

There's plenty of time to see it on demand on PBS.

Be sure to visit their website for that, Westtnpbs.org.

Even the folks who are in the parade right now can go see themselves in the parade later.

Yes, because if you're in it, you really d.. everybody else going by.

Look at that.

I love a Volkswagen Beetle, so cute.

I know it just passed, but it's adorable.

Especially with the UT symbol on the side.

[chuckles] Oh, that looks-- this car looks great.

-Wow.

-It looks like a Hot Wheel.

[?]

Yes.

Who is that?

Channel 11 also has several special local programs honoring veterans, including the story of a Jackson World War I veteran who was recently honored at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

You can watch all local shows on their free streaming PBS app.

I hear some folks coming up pretty soon.

The band is starting to get louder and louder.

I love hearing the high school bands in these parades.

It's one of my favorite parts.

I know my husband always gives me a hard time because I love a parade.

Oh my goodness.

The Christmas parade, and I know veterans parade too, I will stand out here.

I will wave at every single person.

Christmas parade, I will cheer for every single child that walks by.

I'm hoarse by the end of it.

Especially these kids walking and playing instruments.

I like to watch the little ones watch the parade.

-It's so cute.

-It's always such a joy.

It is so cute.

It's so exciting.

[?]

I'm sure.

Oh, yes.

Just the waving back.

It's always so much fun to hear a march.

It's just so exciting.

[band playing] Band led by Christy White and a lot of parents walking behind and supporting.

I know we've had a lot of parents too come by and say, we're proudly out here watching our student march today.

This is the East Jackson Church of Christ veterans right behind them several people on their parade flow.

That is a way to go right there.

Cheering away.

I love that.

-She's videoing us.

Love that.

-We're videoing her.

She's videoing us.

[laughs] -This is the WLJT-TV 11.

Peter.

Rocky T Reading Ranger car driven by Peter Noel.

The Daughters of The American Revolution behind them.

This is the Jackson Madison County chapter.

Very active.

They actually sponsor, on the first Tuesday of each month, a genealogy program at the Jackson Madison County Library downtown, if you ever want to check on that.

Oh, who's this little doll?

-Oh, look at this little cute .. Aspen Myrick is the 2024 Peewee Miss Sunburst Queen.

Adorable.

Adorable.

Miss Sunburst.

We have our Andy Griffith car.

Guess what that is.

Yes.

We all know what that is.

If we could whistle, we would just whistle the little Andy Griffith song.

The Al Chymia Shriners.

Up next, The Shriner's hospital van.

Raising a lot of money for good causes.

Absolutely.

A lot of folks coming through now.

We have Miss Jackson Volunteer, Gracyn VanWinkel.

She's joined with someone.

Yes, there's another little one with her.

Oh, that's probably her Iris Princess.

-Oh, her Iris-- Miss Jackson and Miss Madison County Volunteer pageant.

We have Miss Madison County and several other beautiful ladies.

I think some of the Miss Teen Volunteers as well.

Miss Teen Volunteers.

Several folks.

We have our Cub Scouts.

The cars are beautiful.

Look at all of our cub scouts, a whole pack of them.

This is West Tennessee Boy Scouts of America.

Even with the little pup.

A whole group.

Well, that's not quite a pup,.. a mascot they've got there.

It's a very well-behaved dog.

Love to see the little ones waving those flags.

Yes.

They look fantastic.

Boy Scouts still alive and well, as are Girl Scouts.

Were you a Girl Scout coming up?

I was not a Girl Scout.

No, I didn't.

Still thriving and adapting to the times- -The Tennessee Elks Association.

--and this is the Jackson [?]

192.

Oh, they're coming to give us candy.

I support this.

Always very proud and does a tremendous amount of work for Jackson and Madison County.

Our unique line dancers are next.

-There they are.

-Yes.

Looking good ladies.

I wish they had time to stop and do a little dance, but we got to keep moving, right?

-Yes.

Our Clarksburg Girls Scouts.

Looking fantastic.

Our majorettes are making their way up here.

They have some time for dancing.

They're doing great.

-Oh, yes.

There they are.

They're doing fantastic.

-They're so good.

-They're going to make their way up here.

I hope they're able to stop where our cameras are so we can see it.

Jackson Jewels.

They might be walking past us.

We saw them a little farther back.

They looked fantastic.

-Thank you all.

-Great job, ladies.

They look so good.

Some more folks behind them.

I think it's a group.

-Another Girl Scout troop.

-Their patches look fantastic.

-Yes.

-That's impressive.

-You have to earn those, they don't just give those out.

-That's very impressive.

-USMC Corporal Lawrence Ragland.

Some more vintage cars behind them, I think as well as our Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.

Oh yes.

You can hear them coming.

You can hear them coming a long ways away.

[chuckles] That little rumble there.

Yes.

I think this is the car from the Jackson Parkway Club right here.

The Tennesee- -The Combat Vets Association.

--Combat Vets Association.

-Vets helping vets, we love to see it.

-Absolutely.

Combat Veteran's Motorcycle Association.

-I bet they have a lot of fun.

-I bet they do too.

They seem like a good group.

Their bikes are looking clean.

-They are.

All shiny and beautiful [?]

-Real good.

The Combat Veterans Association.

A motorcycle hog club, and this would be Cowboy Dan wrapping it up on the end.

There's my friend.

[laughter] Howdy, partner.

Cowboy Dan.

[laughter] Just behind them, we have our Jackson Police Department.

Jackson Police Department.

I think that's going to wrap up the parade for us.

I just want to remind all of our viewers that today's program by WLJT Channel 11 is made possible by your donations.

Since 1968, Channel 11 has brought commercial-free public TV to all of West Tennessee.

They rely on your support.

To donate, go to their website and click the donate button.

That's westtnpbs.org PBS does a lot of good for our community.

Absolutely.

I love doing these parades.

-We're both happy to be here today.

-Yes.

Channel 11 will be re-airing this program throughout November and December.

For air dates and times, you can just go to westtnpbs.org Yes.

It looks like that's going to wrap up the 2024 Jackson Veteran's Parade.

It was wonderful to see the community come together for our veterans, and a joy to be with you, Julia Ewoldt Stooksberry.

It's a joy to be with you, Julie Cooke.

A big thank you to the West Tennessee Veteran's Coalit.. for organizing this wonderful event.

To learn more, go to their website, westtnvets.org Thanks so many of you for coming out to the parade, and supporting our Veterans.

We thank you for your service.

[playing drums] Thank you for watching this special presentation from West Tennessee PBS, honoring our veterans.

Please remember to take time to thank the veterans in your life.

[music] This program you've been watching was made possible through the generous financial support of West Tennessee PBS viewers like you.

Please visit westtnpbs.org and make a donation today, so that we can continue to make local programs like this possible.

Thank you.

[music] It's all about home.