The Ellijay Lions Club helped with its 24th annual Veterans Day Program. The Program included many talents and programs to help remind us what Veterans Day is truly about.

The ceremony started with a parade of Veterans and walking through the crowded downtown followed by the guest speakers for the event.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, David Ralston took to the stage first to remind listeners the price of our freedom.

After the Gilmer County High School Band and Chorus performed, the crowd witnessed a flyby of a Huey Helicopter.

This would give a warm heart felt introduction to the Grand Marshall of the parade Mr. Howard Gunther.

Mr. Gunther told some of his war stories and then left the crowd by reading this anonymous poem,

It is the Soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Soldier, not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us freedom to protest.
It is the Soldier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the Soldier, not the politician
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

Concluding the event was a 21 gun salute followed by Wheeler High School Junior ROTC lowering the flag to half-staff to remember those who have fallen.