Columbus honors veterans with parade, ceremony

  • Published
  • By Airman Daniel Lile
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Veterans and active-duty service members alike marched down Main Street and held a ceremony at the Columbus Courthouse honoring all veterans Nov. 8 in Columbus, Mississippi.

Retired U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Moore, a prior fixed and rotor wing pilot with multiple personal decorations, honored all veterans for their service with a speech during the ceremony.

"All of you veterans, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, it's great to be here in recognition of the job that you have done and that other veterans have done over the many years that our nation has existed," Moore said.

Moore went on to say how greatly Columbus supported its military with all of the attendees during the march and ceremony.

"Your representation here today and your support of the veterans of those who have gone before is recognition, and we appreciate what you're doing," he said.

Moore then explained the great support structure he was given while in uniform, and encouraged service members to work together.

"You don't get anywhere in any organization, especially the Marine Corps, unless you have got people who are helping to guide you, and I had a lot of guidance," he said. "You are not going to be successful if you work on your own; you need to be able to meld all of the capabilities to have an effective force."

Moore said he looks back to his days in uniform, and continues to give advice to active-duty personnel.

"The thing I look back on is just enjoying each and every moment and having an appreciation for those that you serve with," he said. "Because it is truly a unique place, the military is one of those few organizations where everyone wants you to succeed. Your success is the success of the whole organization and the success of our nation."

Moore finished his speech by expressing his love for America, and how grateful he is to have had the opportunity to serve.

"We love this great country, and we are the ones that had the opportunity to serve and protect the freedom that all of us enjoy today," he said. "Veterans and those of you who are active duty, it is my honor to have had the opportunity to have shared the arena with you. God bless you all and God bless America."