CISD News
Veterans Day
Posted 11/12/2009
Veterans Day is a significant time in our country to take time to honor those men and women who have sacrificed so much for the liberties and freedoms that we as citizens too often take for granted. The Cobb LOTC presented a program on Monday, November 9, called "Honoring Our Veterans". The program included guests speakers who were former members of the military, the Patriot Guards, singers from the Pecan Street Christian Academy, the Cobb Cougar Dance Team, the Cobb Odyssey of the Mind Team, and the Cobb Cougar Choir.
LOTC cadet, Destiny Cline, recited the meaning of Veterans Day during the program. Rocky Hudson, U.S. Navy Veteran, was the featured guest speaker. He told the audience about his service in the Korean War, the beginning of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and his experience of being in Vietnam at the time of the first American soldier casualty during the Vietnam War.
Fifty Veterans attended the program and were recognized for their service. It is a touching experience to see so many local citizens who have served in the military. One Veteran in particular, Cedric Patterson, is an employee for Channelview ISD who served during the Vietnam War during 1967-1968. He and many members of his unit (1st Battalion, 40th Artillery) were recognized for their bravery because of the defense they provided while trapped in N. Vietnam for 18 consecutive days during the 1968 Tet Offensive which was the height of the war. Cedric has received a Presidential Unit Citation and the Army Commendation Medal for his service during this critical time of that war. The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who distinguished himself by heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service.
Sgt. Steve Dunbar, the Cobb LOTC Leader, was very pleased with the turn-out for the program. More than 300 guests attended that night. It is important for students to understand and appreciate the importance of our military, and it is vital that adults be reminded of those sacrifices made. CISD is grateful to all our country's Veterans, to those who have lost their lives while defending our country, and to all those men and women who are currently serving our country in the Armed Forces.
Pictured is Rocky Hudson during his speech to the audience.