©2009 NPT PHOTO BY DUAY O'NEIL

Members of the CCHS Art Club fashioned a World War II bomber as their float for the CCHS
Veterans Day parade. Delaney Gentry waves to the crowd as she is propelled around the
gym by Josh Ruggles, left, and Jake Colby.

NEWPORT-U. S. Sen. Bob Corker headlined a plethora of speakers Tuesday morning when Cocke County High School students paid tributes to America's veterans.

In his remarks, Corker told a packed gymnasium, "One of the greatest honors I have as a U.S. senator is the opportunity to meet with so many of our men and women in uniform and their families. It is incredibly moving to be in their presence and see the work they are doing on a daily basis.

"I am always tremendously impressed with their professionalism and often find myself emotionally overwhelmed. All Americans are deeply indebted to our military men and women, past and present, for their service to our country. Veterans Day should not only be a time to honor our veterans and to thank them and their families for their service and sacrifice. It should also be a day that inspires all of us to be better Americans and work to make our country better."

Echoing Sen. Corker's remarks were state Rep. Eddie Yokley and Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan.

Yokley said he came to the podium with a "heavy heart because we have a unit deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan shortly. I've just found out that these patriots can come home for a five-day break at Christmas for $130 each. I'd like to challenge the CCHS clubs to help bring them home."

Yokley then quoted three American leaders, beginning with Benjamin Franklin's observation, "There's never a good war or a bad peace."

Next he spoke of President Andrew Jackson, who said, "Every good citizen makes his country's honor his own."

Finally he referred to President John F. Kennedy's statement, "A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but by the men it honors and remembers."

"Every year it has been my hope that next year will be the year all of our troops are home," continued Yokley.

"I served and I have a son serving in the military presently. I understand the risks these sold take. They don't choose orders; they follow them."

Yokley told the audience, "You and I are preserved by their sacrifices. Today we should find personal and unique ways to thank our veterans. I challenge each of you to find a veteran or a veteran's family and capture the spirit of Veterans Day and make it personal and special."

In his remarks, Mayor McMahan remembered "a very good friend, a Marine's Marine."

McMahan then told the audience about Clarence Black, who died recently at age 92.

"He was feisty," said McMahan. "He had a dry sense of humor. He was with the company that raised the flag at Iwo Jima."

McMahan added, "Each veteran gave us a gift-freedom."

Cocke County High School's Beta Club organized Wednesday's celebration, continuing a tradition begun in 2000. Club president Katie McGaha welcome the crowd and representatives of numerous CCHS organizations paid tribute to the veterans on behalf of their clubs.

Also present were representatives from AmVets (Dale Brown), DAV (Gary Coker), and the US Marine Corps League Detachment 1206 (Terry Witt).

The CCHS Advanced Chorus sang "I Once Had a Dream" and "Battle Hymn of Republic."

Also performing were members of the CCHS Red Regiment Band, who played "The Star-Spangled Banner."

One of the most moving moments of the day came when veterans stood as their military anthems were played during the band's annual performance of "Salute to America's Finest."

Following the tribute, veterans and guests enjoyed a brunch served in the school's library.