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Memorial Day did not go unnoticed in Smithville as members of the public joined the American Legion Post #122 along with the Ladies Auxiliary and others Monday morning in an observance paying tribute to Americans who fought and died for the cause of freedom.

The keynote speaker, Steve Cantrell, United States Air Force Officer now retired, gave a perspective on Memorial Day. The following is a portion of Cantrell’s remarks.

“As citizens of this country, we have been commemorating this day in one form or another since 1865 shortly after the Civil War; however, it did not become an official Holiday for remembrance until 1971. And then, starting in 2000, all Americans are supposed to hold a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m.,” said Cantrell.

“Many in this room have lost loved ones and friends in military conflicts or military training accidents”.

“Sometimes we shed a tear, or more as we think back to military comrades, friends and family members. However, for many of us the tears are accompanied by a smile. You smile because of the impact these individuals have had on your life,” said Cantrell.

“Organizations such as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and AMVETS are so important. They give our veterans and their families a place to share and remember-with tears and smiles. And they complement the places for healing especially our Veterans Administration, which are currently under attack, and organizations such as Wounded Warriors”.

“You may have seen a bumper sticker that says,” All gave some, but some gave all”. “I have been to Arlington Cemetery many times to attend internment ceremonies in honor of many military friends and one civilian. The civilian, Bryan Jack, was a colleague who worked in the Pentagon. He was on his way to a conference when the plane he was on was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon. His casket like those of many military friends as well as my fathers was given the ultimate honor by this Nation, draped with the American Flag. A Flag that has gone through numerous battles. A Flag that represents one nation under God, Indivisible with Liberty and Justice for All”.

“When I see the American flag, especially on Memorial Day, Flag Day, and the Fourth of July, it stirs memories of serving under that flag, what it means to be an American, and especially friends who honored what that flag stands for with the ultimate sacrifice. That’s why at 3 p.m. you will fInd me saluting an American Flag in their honor and memory. What will you be doing,” asked Cantrell.

Prior to the main event, Susan Hinton presented patriotic music videos by Dailey & Vincent, Aaron Tippin, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith and others.

Ronnie Redmon, American Legion Adjutant #122 extended a welcome to the audience. Melissa Crouch of Gentiva Hospice acknowledged veterans and family members in attendance and presented pins to each. Local minister Larry Green offered a prayer. Jesus Hernandez, who served in the U.S. Army led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Melissa Crouch, Jo Ann Williams, Darlene Blanton, and Linda Dale leading the attendees in a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner.

After the program, the group gathered downtown where a wreath was placed at the Veterans Monument at the courthouse after Taps and before a closing prayer by Don Rigsby.

About the keynote Speaker Steven A. Cantrell: Mr. Cantrell comes from a family with deep roots in Smithville and DeKalb County. Although not born here he was a legal resident from the day he was born until he retired from the military. He refers to his life as a “Catch 22”. He was a military dependent for 22 years, a United States Air Force Officer for 22 plus years (retired in 1999), and a member of the U.S. government Senior Executive Service for 22 plus years (retired in 2021). He returned to Smithville in 2023, with his wife Gloria Cantrell. His son, John Colvert Cantrell, daughter-in-law Rae (Oulette) Cantrell and granddaughters, Kathryn Cantrell, live in Springfield, Virginia.

Mr. Cantrell was a career intelligence officer, who enjoyed a very wide and eclectic range of jobs (both intelligence and non-intelligence) and educational experiences (two unique Master’s Degrees). Throughout his career he has and still does, serve as a mentor.

His love for Smithville and DeKalb County began and grew during his parents’ annual summer vacations here, followed by two years at DeKalb County High School, and was reenforced with his final move here in 2024. He is an active citizen, participating in local government, who is focused on smart growth for the City of Smithville and DeKalb County. Specifically, he is focused on protecting and sharing the unique things that make this community so special.

The community is urged to observe Memorial Day by attending a remembrance program today (Monday May 26) at the county complex auditorium sponsored by the American Legion Post #122 and the Ladies Auxiliary.

Patriotic music by Susan Hinton begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by the program at 10 a.m. featuring keynote speaker Steve Cantrell, U.S. Air Force, retired.

About Steven A. Cantrell: Mr. Cantrell comes from a family with deep roots in Smithville and DeKalb County. Although not born here he was a legal resident from the day he was born until he retired from the military. He refers to his life as a “Catch 22”. He was a military dependent for 22 years, a United States Air Force Officer for 22 plus years (retired in 1999), and a member of the U.S. government Senior Executive Service for 22 plus years (retired in 2021). He returned to Smithville in 2023, with his wife Gloria Cantrell. His son, John Colvert Cantrell, daughter-in-law Rae (Oulette) Cantrell and granddaughters, Kathryn Cantrell, live in Springfield, Virginia.

Mr. Cantrell was a career intelligence officer, who enjoyed a very wide and eclectic range of jobs (both intelligence and non-intelligence) and educational experiences (two unique Master’s Degrees). Throughout his career he has and still does, serve as a mentor.

His love for Smithville and DeKalb County began and grew during his parents’ annual summer vacations here, followed by two years at DeKalb County High School, and was reenforced with his final move here in 2024. He is an active citizen, participating in local government, who is focused on smart growth for the City of Smithville and DeKalb County. Specifically, he is focused on protecting and sharing the unique things that make this community so special.

The program schedule is as follows:

Welcome: Ronnie Redmon, American Legion Adjutant #122 and Judy Redmon, American Legion Auxiliary

Acknowledgment of Veterans present: Melissa Crouch, Gentiva Hospice. She will be distributing veteran pins.

Prayer: Larry Green

Pledge of Allegiance: Jesus Hernandez, served in the U.S. Army

Star Spangled Banner: led by Dr. Robert Atnip

After the program, a wreath will be placed at the Veterans Monument at the courthouse.

Closing prayer by Don Rigsby

Allie Eaton in the 6th to 8th grade category won “Outstanding Entry of the Show” while Michael Bond from the 4th to 5th grade Division captured the “People’s Choice Award” in the DeKalb Schools Art Exhibit held Saturday at the County Complex. The annual event was sponsored by the Smithville Study Club. Elaine McGuffery is the Club President and Susan Hinton is the Art Chairman.

(View more student artwork on wjle’s facebook page or click link below)

Students from Kindergarten to 12th grade participated in the art exhibit.

This year’s art exhibit winners are as follows:

*Division 1: Kindergarten- 1st Grade
1st Place- John Linder
2nd Place- Ella Seitz
3rd Place- Kase Roller
4th Place-Elyanna Hernandez
5th Place- Allison Locke
Honorable Mention- William Terrell and Summer South

*Division 2: 2nd & 3rd grades
1st Place- Colton Duke
2nd Place- Haley Cantrell
3rd Place- Grayson Cooper
4th Place-Kallen Curtis
5th Place- Dayona Martinez
Honorable Mention- Emmie Edwards & Rose Garrido

*Division 3: 4th & 5th grades
1st Place- Monica Lomas
2nd Place- Karmyn Merriman
3rd Place- Brayden Corrillo
4th Place-Evelyn Farmer
5th Place-Winona Turner
Honorable Mention- Ila Richard & Clara Cox

*Division 4 (Middle School)- 6th – 8th grades
1st Place-Allie Eaton
2nd Place-Abigail Karsky
3rd Place-Lillian Close
4th Place-Braylon Williams

*Division 5- 9th-12th grades
1st Place- Katie Linder
2nd Place- Isabella Williams
3rd Place- Brenna McBroom
4th Place-MacKenzie Cantrell

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