Stephens Co. Marks Veterans Day

veterans dayStephens County marks Veterans’ Day.

The annual observance of Veterans Day took place this morning on the lawn of the historic Stephens County Courthouse in downtown Toccoa.

Each year, the American Legion Post 104, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4346, and Marine Corps Detachment 1303 organize the program.

This year’s guest speaker was Retired U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major Shanda Elkins.

Elkins said it is important to remember all veterans on this day.

“It is about every one of us that is sitting here,” said Elkins. “Everyone that was there during World War I, World II, Korea, Vietnam. I was there during Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and Iraqi Freedom. Unfortunately, one of the last things I had to do as mobilization command was to mobilize reserve Marines to go to Iraq and sometimes they did not come back the same way as they got there.”

Elkins served in the Marine Corps for 29 years before retiring.

Now, she takes classes at Toccoa Falls College and teaches kindergarten children.

Even still, she said it is important to her to be there for the veterans and soldiers of today.

“My door is still open to these young Marines, young soldiers, young sailors and young airmen,” said Elkins. “I am still there to talk to them.”

Elkins said it is important for veterans to take care of each other.

Today’s Veterans’ Day observance also included recognition of patriotic and civic organizations that did something to honor veterans, such as present a flag in honor of veterans or present something to veterans.

Meanwhile, the Toccoa Elks Lodge #1820 is inviting all veterans to the lodge tonight at 5:30 p.m. for a buffet dinner provided by Elks and Auxiliary members.