Representative Carney, Judge Melton, Mayor Harris, Special Guest Hilda Legg, Fiscal Court members, City Councils, Veterans Citizens one and all:

I am very humbled to stand before you today, not so much as a keynote speaker, but to reflect on those we honor today in renaming the Columbia Bypass.

I begin by admitting that so many of us live with regrets, some more significant than others.

One of greatest is that I never served in the armed forces of the United States.

As I finished college in 1972, the Vietnam War and Draft had ended and there was a cute gal on Guthrie Street that want to marry and raise a family. Let me make this perfectly clear - I did not regret marrying Mikki Snow, only not serving in the military! I did spend one summer working for Randall Pyles, one of the best generals under whom anyone could serve!

On behalf of my brothers and family, I want to express my gratitude for the recognition given to our dad, Alfred Flowers, especially in the short time before his death. As a ball turret gunner in a B-17 with 39 combat missions, he was our hero, but he quickly exhorted that others did as much or more! I am proud that every generation of my American family until my children have served in a military conflict from the Revolutionary War to the First Gulf War.

My reflections today are not about family or the pride I love to share about the history of their service. It is about the love, admiration, and respect we have all all our veterans.

It was wonderful growing up in Columbia in the 50's and 60's--riding my bike to town and hanging out (hanging, today)--I got to know Lynn Jeffries, Pleas Grimsley, Bill Walker, Nolan Cundiff, Grover Gilpin at the G & M Grill); Edgar, Fred and Jimmy Troutman, along with many others.These men seemed to relay to me things I heard at home. There was something in their personalities of which, even as a youngster, I marveled and pondered.Mom and Grandmother were quick to remind me that these men were war veterans and I should always always show respect that they so aptly deserved for their service to our country. I learned much from them.

The years quickly passed. I became entrenched with those who were veterans and my interest grew in their stories and the sacrifice they made for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Some were lost in World War II. I feel cheated that I never knew Alfred Harper (Battle of the Bulge), Edwin "Minor" Harmon, and Buldge Edrington (Pacific), but so proud to have come to know Raymond Martin, Remus Howard, Marvin Hutchison, Brooks Coomer, Sgt. Edgar Holmes, H.W. Roach, Lee Smith, Milton Stephens, Paul Keneipp, Billy Joe Morris, James Collins, Luther Colins, J.C. "Joe" Sparks, from World War II.

And from Korea: Kenneth Scott, Bill Spicer, Dan Royse, and Herbert Graves, "my cousin,"; whose heroics were most likely not properly recognized due to his race. Thank God we have overcome this injustice and all are recognized for their service to our country.

As a maturing teen, our country was engaged in the horrors of the Vietnam War. So many of my classmates and friends served and represented to the world the desire that all the earth should experience democracy and the freedoms we enjoy in America.Some of them were Joe Hare, Curtis Hardwick, Rudy Higginbotham, Bill Conn, L.B. Smith, Russell Guy Perkins, Larry Rooks, Jimmy Harper and so many others.

Some did not return. Fifty thousand were lost. The most solemn experience is to visit the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC, and rub your hand over the names of those fallen soldiers: David Owen Biggs, Billy Curry, William Overstreet, and Frankie McGowan.

Sadly, only in recent years have we properly recognized and shown our appreciations for these veterans. Let us continue that process!

Today many serve our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are in Harm's Way. Pray for them. Respect them. Thank them wherever you meet them. Let them know that we are proud of their service to promote the American Way of respectful lifestyle for all the human race.

And I recall days at work when my late great friend, Ivy Collins French, would become so frustrated with me when I would stop and spend countless hours with Earl Conover (Bataan Death March), Orby Burton (European Campaign) and Raymond Young (Normandy Landing, Omaha Beach). I'm glad I did, and Ivy, if you're listening instead of talking, you'll just have to forgive me as you kept my customers entertained!

Let me say that, from this day forward, when you hear and sing the National Anthem and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, may chills tingle your spine, make a lump in your throat, as you remember those who served.

It has not been my intent to proclaim or exclude the name of any veteran today, but to reassure you that any name mentioned is representative of all who served our great country.

Regret? Yes, I still have that, but I rejoice for joy I have also; that from those veterans mentioned and found in our memories, who molded my soul. They have all taught me pride, work ethic, integrity, love and last but not least, patriotism.

Today we will name and dedicate a highway which leads us to a safer passage to our destinations and a roadway to greater economic prosperity, just as our veterans have given us the road to freedom and a lifestyle envied by the whole world! It is not just fitting that we honor them with dedication, it is the right thing to do.

The next time you travel that byway, slow down, say a prayer for those who served our country.

Thank you, and God Bless our veterans.

God bless Adair County and God Bless the United States of America.

• PFG Lester & Co., Phill Trotter: Sausage


• Sysco, Wally Richard: Sausage


• Southern Foods, Allen Upchurch: Sausage


• Betty's OK Country Cooking, Betty Olmstead


• Southern Belle Dairies: Milk and Orange Juice.


• Green River Produce, Doug Campbell: Eggs
Walmart. Robin Smith: Donuts, Milk, Orange Juice, Bacon, Jelly, Margaine, Forks, Coffee, Cups, Cream and Sugar