2017 Women Veterans Appreciation Day
2017 Women Veterans Appreciation Day
The sponsoring organizations, VFW Post 6496 and Jackson-Madison Chapter National Society Daughter of the American Revolution [NSDAR], hosted the first annual Female Veterans Appreciation Day luncheon and ceremony on Saturday, December 2, 2017, at the VFW Post 6496 at 285 Airways Blvd, in Jackson, TN. Jackson City Mayor Jerry Gist and Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris proclaimed December 2, 2017, to be “Women Veterans Day” in Jackson and Madison County. Special guests included State Representative Jimmy Harris and Ernest Brooks II.
Members of the Jackson-Madison Chapter NSDAR decorated the meeting room, and acted as greeters for the event. Certificates of appreciation from the chapter were given to every female veteran who attended.
The luncheon, catered by Lane College, was free to all female veterans. Keynote speaker was Capt. Heidi C. Agle. Vietnam Veterans Chapter 995 Honor Guard posted and retired the colors, and present the 13 folds of the American Flag. Following the luncheon, there was a formal retiring of American flags. These are flags which are faded or torn and no longer suitable for display. Veterans were encouraged to participate in this respectful ceremony.
In addition to this successful luncheon honoring female veterans, VFW Post 6496 is creating a Wall of Honor. Any veterans of wartime or peacetime are encouraged to send in or bring in a 3 x 5 or 4 x 6 photo to be displayed on the walls of the meeting area. Please put your name, branch of service, and years of service on the back of the photo. The post is creating the photo walls so that veterans will be remembered for their service. The wall is entitled “Never Forgotten” and displays photos from all conflicts as well as photos of those who served during peace time.
For more information about the Wall of Honor, contact VFW Post 6496 Commander Tom Buck at 614-404-4995. For more information about the Jackson-Madison Chapter NSDAR, contact chapter regent Beth Bates at 731-427-0465.
Photo attached: Female veterans surround keynote speaker Captain Heidi C. Agle following the first annual Female Veterans Appreciation luncheon and ceremony.
