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9th Wal-Mart Veterans Breakfast biggest ever A large number of photographs accompany this article. More are being added. A roster of veterans who signed the register will be posted later By Ed Waggener What started out as a small fundraiser nine years ago has become one of Columbia's major annual events, and maybe it's best theatre. The Ninth Annual Wal-Mart Veterans program held Tuesday, November 13, 2007, filled the space for 240 diners with some visitors as well as Wal-Mart support staff standing all around the perimeter of the temporary hall set up for the occasion. The tradition started nine years ago under former Wal-Mart Manager Mike Jones. "There were a couple of tables set up in the front of the store," Electronics Department Manager Steve Parson remembers. "There may have been a couple of dozen in attendance," he added, recalling that it was done to help with the fundraiser for the National World War II Memorial, which would be built in Washington, DC. This year, even though the event was moved to follow Veterans Day, it drew nearly 10 times the number present for that first small beginning. "We didn't want to interfere with the other Veterans Day observances," Danny Bragg said. It is a special event for him, he said, because of the service of his father, Cecil Bragg, Edmonton, KY, who served in the Korean War. A big breakfast of meat, biscuits, gravy, eggs, pastries, tomatoes, and coffee, milk, and orange juice started at 8:00amCT. The Event Planner was Wal-Mart Associate Robin Smith, a 20 year associate at the Columbia Store. From year to year, a lot stays the same. But it evolves. Some things are added, some stay the same. It was the third year for the presentation of "I Am a Soldier," the CD written by Howard Bailey of Columbia and read by Jim Williams, the GM of Columbia Utilities. It came early in the program, and there wasn't a dry eye in the store when it was finished. The presentation and retire colors was done, as always, by the color guard of Columbia VFW Post 6097, this year including Jimmy Luttrell, Johnie J. Biggs, Ralph Gilbert Curry, Stanley Jones, and Albert Woodrum. Their entry and exit was accompanied by the Adair County Marching Band Ensemble, under the direction of Tim Allen. The pledge of allegiance was led by Audrey Janes, whose granddaughter, blue-eyed, red-haired Emily Price, stole the show. A moving welcome by Adair County Judge Ann Melton was followed by a speech from Mayor Pat Bell, who recalled memories of his own service, a demonstrated his phenomenal memory by reciting his serial number. Mayor Bell paid special note of the service of World War II veterans, "The Greatest Generation," and what that group had done both in battle, and on their return to post war Adair County. The Dream Depot's Judy Somerville, Jenny Cundiff, and Jan Overstreet sang "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," veterans from World War II to Iraq were tapping and clapping in accompaniament. Robin Smith flawlessly narrated a new feature of the program, "The POW/MIA Table Ceremony," with Wal-Mart Associates playing cameo roles setting the table. "Remembrance" a letter from a soldier, was narrated by Jan Overstreet. Wal-Mart Associate Jacob Payne was eloquent as he introduced his father, fellow Wal-Mart Associate Joseph Payne, who is also pastor of the Eunice Church of God."A soldier serves until he dies," Rev. Payne began.He was very brief in calling the all to remember two words he said were most important to soldiers and to citizens: Honor and Commitment. "Honor and Commitment go hand in hand," he said, and, after a pause, said, "I stand before a group who had honor and commitment." Even though it was a short address, the speech was punctuated throughout by applause, and drew a long ovation as he closed. Jenny Cundiff gave a beautiful rendition of "Wind Beneath My Wings." The program included continuance of compelling tradition, when each veteran stood, except where standing was difficult, and introduced themselves. Senior veterans, many of whom spoke in faltering voices, each drew distinct applause. One hour and thirty minutes--though it seemed much shorter--after the formal program began Manager Danny Bragg closed with special thanks to those who helped make the program possible.They included McDonald's of Columbia, OK Country Cooking, Russell Springs Lake & Shake Grill, Columbia IGA, Dean's Milk, Hostess/Kerns/Little Debbie, Sonic Drive-in, Columbia Dairy Queen, and Community Trust Bank. He thanks Columbia VFW Post 6097 for furnishing the chairs and tables, the VFW Colorguard, the ladies of DAV Auxiliary #72, J&F Variety Store, the Columbia Church of God for their sound system. Mr. Bragg made special mention of the nine years Radio Station WAIN and The Adair Progress had supported the event with publicity. WAIN'S station icon, Lisa Fisher-Clark, was present for the entire event, and the Progress was represented by photographer and writer Lawrence Harris. He also thanked the Kentucky Army National Guard for its help. In addition, Mr. Bragg commended the Associates of Columbia Wal-Mart for volunteer work in setting up the Veterans Day Hall in the the Store. Monday night, store and outside volunteers moved a huge quantity of displays and inventory to outside storage. With militarily precise logistics, merchandise was back in place as though it had never been moved. It was a moment in history for the store, Mr. Bragg said. "This is the last time the program will be held here," he said. "Next year, if all goes as planned, it will be much bigger, in a bigger store," alluding to the new 156,000 s.f. Super Wal-Mart now underway at Holladay Place on KY 61S at the LBN Parkway interchange. This story was posted on 2007-11-15 11:19:24
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