This article, written by Todd Preston, President of the Magoffin County Historical Society, was taken from the November 25, 2010 issue of THE SALYERSVILLE INDEPENDENT newspaper.

            The Magoffin County Veteran’s Day celebration on November 11^th this year was simply awesome!  Before the Grand Event, the Chapter 15 Disabled American Veterans had already feasted on a great breakfast at the Salyersville Health Care Center and had a chance to become reacquainted with fellow veterans such as Mary Lou Preston Brown Byrd who had motored up from downstate.  Mary Lou, a fellow veteran, was a member of the WACS.  She, along with Albert Patrick and several others, told of some of their experiences during World War II.

            We surely appreciated the staff of the nursing home!

            By the time we got up to the entrance of the Magoffin County High School, the parking lot was lined with fire trucks and rescue squad vehicles, all draped with flags which was enough to make an old veteran stand a little straighter and walk a little swifter.

            The Flag Raising Ceremony was impressive.  Devon Allen Helton sang the National Anthem, there was a 21-gun salute by DAV Chapter 15 and Taps by the Magoffin County Band led by Director Timothy Towles which was spectacular.  The whole of the Magoffin County High School student body and the teachers, along with Superintendent Hunley and the entire school board lined the parking lot.  This was an awe-inspiring sight for all of us!

            I had not been inside the high school building since its recent updating. The original building had been built during the time when fellow veterans John T. Arnett, Vanzel Borders and I were members of the board and another veteran, Creed Arnett was superintendent.

            We all assembled in the gym where DAV member Randall Hardin gave the opening remarks. The Magoffin High School band played.  Next came recognition of the veterans who were all given the opportunity to say a few words about their most serious experiences in the military, many of which were terrifying and hair-raising, to say the least.

            I was on the program to give a few remarks (maybe too many – smile) as well as 92^nd District State Representative elect John Short and Ltc. Paul Holbrook (retired USAR) who both gave super great remarks.

            Next, County Judge Charles Hardin rendered a timely talk after which he and Comrade Mike Blanton gave Sesquicentennial medallions to each of the World War II Veterans.  Chaplain Perry gave the closing prayer.

            I want to brag on the nice behavior of the students who filled the bleachers, they were not only attentive, they seemed to absorb what was being said even though, I suspect, they were getting a bit hungry as it was lunch time!

            Now, “lest we forget”, we want to show the same special respect for our Korean Veterans next year, although we want it remembered that ALL veterans are always welcome to the Veterans Day program activities.

            The local DAV Chapter 15 had our regular monthly meeting then, guess what, we were treated to yet another feast!  This one was hosted by the Salyersville Renaissance.  What a meal these ladies had prepared, we all had to loosen our belts up a notch or two. 

            Our Disabled American Veterans Chapter says, “THANK YOU, Magoffin County!”

            In today’s mail, I’ve received a packet of material from Scotty McCoy’s 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th period classes at the Magoffin County High School with thank you letters from Audryanna Griffith, Trempas Hall, Derrick Rife, Ryan Matthew Adams, Daniel Hager, Larry Jenkins, David Barnett, Johnivan Patrick, Michael Manns, Tyler Colvin, Devin Ward, Zach Smith and Shannon Fitch.  Mr. McCoy also sent along a wonderful patriotic poem of his own writing.

            We also received a beautiful Veteran’s Day card from North Magoffin School made by Jill Cole which was much appreciated.  Young Jill is the granddaughter of Leola Cole and attends our monthly meetings from time to time and we are always pleased to have her.

            We know that other students have sent letters and cards to other veterans.  We thank all our students, school staff and all the other citizens who paid such wonderful tribute to veterans at this special time of the year.

            May each of you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with those you love and care for.  We here in Magoffin County have many, many things to be thankful for.   All of us at the historical society count our members and readers of this column among the joys of the season.