Welcome Home & Thank You, Troops!

The Yellow Ribbon Luncheon held today (Friday June 25) was an opportunity for our community to say thanks and welcome home to members of the local National Guard Unit who have returned from overseas duty. A welcome message was given by Louisville Mayor Will Hill followed by the invocation from Dr. George Miller, the Pledge of Allegiance led by local scouts, Samuel Trosper, Samuel Cole and Taylor Russell, and the Star Spangled Banner sung by Billy Bowie.
Local Leaders offered short remarks punctuated with thank you's and appreciation for the service of the men and women of the Guard. Speakers included Senator Giles Ward, Senator Sampson Jackson, Representative Russ Nowell, Sheriff Randy Thomas, Winston County Supervisor Jerry Estes and Veterans Affairs Officer Terry Kelley. Senator Ward pointed out that Winston County has always shown respect for our military by coinciding two of our major community festivals with military holidays; the Red Hills Festival is held on Memorial Day weekend each year and the annual StewStomp coincides with Veteran's Day.
Lake Tiak OKhata provided the facilities for this event. Photos follow & additional photos are avialable on our photos page