Quitman Lieutenant Colonel Jim Attaway gave an emotion charged address to veterans and many others on hand at the first-ever "Quitman Salute to Veterans Day."

Attaway began his career as a Vietnam era U.S. Army paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He retired with 26 years of service with the rank of Lieutenant colonel and as a Military Judge. Attaway is currently an attorney in Quitman.

Attaway gave a brief history of Veteran's Day noting that is has been observed since 1918 when World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason November 11 has been set aside as Veteran's Day. Veteran's

Day is celebrated by parades and by public events all over the nation.

"The two words, veterans and freedom, are synonymous. They are essentially linked," Attaway began his speech. "You can't have one without the other."

Attaway told the crowd gathered the essence of a veteran consists of the pride of service to our country, and the satisfaction of having earned an honorable discharge for that service.

"Being a veteran also is the knowledge that you have become a member of a unique and special group. Having earned the title of veteran is a transforming experience, ensuring in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, to fellow citizens" Attaway explained. "Once you have earned the title of veteran it becomes forever a part of your make-up, your DNA."

Attaway further state the oath a veteran takes upon enlisting in the military is the most solemn pledge a citizen can make.

"It is a pledge to guard and protect the freedom of the inhabitants of our great land. The oath includes a pledge to support the Constitution of the United States," Attaway continued. "It is a promise to defend our country and its citizens against all enemies and ends appropriately with the words, So Help me God."

Attaway spoke about President George W. Bush, who is a veteran of the United States Air Force and the Texas Air National Guard.

"Throughout his presidency, he proclaimed often that freedom is God's gift to every man, woman and child," Attaway noted. "His father George H.W. Bush is a veteran himself of World war II, a U.S. Navy pilot."

Attaway talked about serving under President Ronald Reagan.

President Reagan was a veteran of World War II. He understood the true meaning of freedom as well as any President who has served our country and he was one of the most respected and revered Commanders in-Chief of our armed forces," added Att- away.

Attway talked about the falling of the Berlin Wall 27 years ago. He told about Reagan standing at the wall dividing the city between communist East Berlin and democratic West Berlin when the President declared "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall."

Attaway said the Cold War was won because a "President of the United States, and a military veteran, understood the true meaning of freedom."

Attaway emotionally spoke of a young Wood County man, Josh Powell, who answered the call to assist in securing freedom of Americans.

"Sgt. Josh David Powell paid that installment on the price of freedom when on June 4, 2011, he was killed in action. He paid the full measure of his devotion to our country on that day," Attaway said with conviction. "Josh Powell was a Quitman High School graduate. Six thousand miles from the East Texas countryside where he grew up, on a desolate barren battlefield in Afghanistan, along with three other soldiers in his infantry squad, he gave his life fighting for our freedom."

"Josh Powell was 24 years old when he died. Gone forever for Josh Powell were the hopes and dreams of years of continuing service to the United States Army serving as an American soldier in the profession he chose as a young Texan. Gone are the hopes and dreams of spending Christmas and thanksgiving with family and friends."

"He gave up his life for us, for you, for me, for generations of Americans to come. Josh Powell paid the ultimate price to preserve our legacy of freedom," Attaway said.

Attaway closed with an emotion charged challenge.

"Let's resolve here today to have confidence and assurance that when the call out to defend liberty and freedom, young Americans throughout the state of Texas and all over our nation will step forward, raise their right hand, and take the sacred oath, put on our nation's military uniform and say simply, here I am, send me," concluded Attaway.

City Administrator Brian Andrews served as master of ceremonies for the event, held at Governor Hogg City Park. Andrews welcomed the veterans and thanked several people and organizations for their participation.

"This came together on short notice but many have worked hard to make it happen. The Black Beret Motorcycle Club came to us with the idea and that's how it got started," Andrews said. "There are so many to thank. Brookshire's has provided vouchers for turkeys and meals that can be purchased. The staff at city hall has worked hard and without my wife, Theda, it just would not have happened. We appreciate the service clubs and others who have been here today for their support."

Andrews sent an invitation to President George B. Bush. Although he could not attend he sent a letter of appreciation from him and his wife, Laura.

A proclamation recognizing one of Wood County's oldest veterans was awarded to U.S. Navy veteran, Alton Brandon, 92, who served in World War II and the Korean War.

"It has been a great day to honor our veterans and I can't wait until next year," Quitman Mayor J.R. Evans said. "We want to make this an annual event Quitman can be proud of every year."