City hosts 33rd annual Veterans Memorial day service

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The city of Hattiesburg held its 33rd Annual Veterans Memorial day service on Monday to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by those named on the Memorial Wall downtown.

Mayor Johnny Dupree said, "It is knowing more than just their names

because these were actual people who had lives before they became a soldier."

The Veterans Memorial is composed of four Georgia Grey granite columns with an engraved entablature with the inscription, "Lest We Forget".

The four columns are engraved with the names of 173 veterans who gave their lives in the defense of our country and its freedom.

One veteran was killed in the line of duty in 2010 and his mother said this event is a way to remember his service.

"This is a hard day usually, but it is a much needed day for us to come out and honor the ones that gave our freedom" said Kay Blount.

Blount added, "I honor my son for choosing the career that he did, although I miss him greatly."

Another veteran said this service is a time to teach the younger generation history. Robert Botims said, "It shows to our young people today what war is all about."

Botims added, "Our young people may not know in the future what really war was, a lot of people do not even know what the Vietnam war was, other than it being in our history books."

Veterans that were present said they are proud the city commits to this event annually.

"I think every town should do this any place in America...our community has always been a great Veterans community" said Chairman of the Hattiesburg Veterans Committee Ted Tibbett.

Those present mentioned we should never forget the price of freedom paid by those brave individuals and their families.