Veterans Week a time to honor local heroes, education and remembering past leaders

Nov. 7—Most of us might take for granted what it took to have our simple freedoms, whether it's the ability to travel freely, make our own life decisions or express our opinions.

Even something as simple as walking down the street doesn't come for free in a lot of places in the world. It took centuries of fighting to not only establish the freedoms we have in America, but to also maintain them to this day.

Though some might argue that our basic freedoms have come into question over the last few years, especially when it comes to COVID mandates, or the ability to share your opinions about the state of the country, politics and whatnot, even if it doesn't necessarily follow the national narrative or is deemed "offensive and controversial."

It's why my social media presence these days has been reduced to mostly work-related purposes, event coverage and cat videos. There is just too much risk these days when it comes to having the ability to speak your mind when you might not agree with something, but that's a whole other conversation.

Veterans Day is a time we remember why we have those freedoms, and the ones who devoted their lives, or in some cases, gave their lives, so we can live in a land of opportunity. It's the kind of reminder we all need, especially when you get the chance to meet and talk with a veteran, hear their story and learn about why they were compelled to serve.

Maury County is a community that definitely supports its veterans, whether it is hanging banners along roadsides in Spring Hill or the continued work being done at the local Maury County Veterans Services office. There is always a way to pay recognition and honor the ones who make our community the way it is, and none of that is possible without veterans.

Everybody knows a veteran, or at least understands the toll a life of military service can take on many of them. Whether it is spending the rest of their lives dealing with PTSD, coming home with devastating war wounds or the fact so many continue to commit suicide every day, the real price for freedom should never be forgotten.

Veterans Day is especially a time when we celebrate those brave servicemen and women, both current and of the past. It is a great time to not only remember, but also learn a little bit about why it all matters.

This year is no different, and if anything, it is one that'll be even more important than in years past, at least when it comes to how local veterans will be honored.

Columbia Parks & Recreation will once again host a Living History & Exhibit at the Macedonia Recreation Center, 501 Armstrong St., which will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

This exhibit will be multi-faceted, both recognizing the past and present, starting with the Mayflower Compact and the signing of the U.S.Constitution and ending with why today's soldiers continue the fight to protect it.

You'll hear stories from local veterans about their times of service, while learning from first-hand accounts about what a life of service means to them.

To me, that's the most important part of Veterans Day. Sure, looking at old artifacts and photographs from wars that were fought decades, if not centuries ago, is always fascinating, but it doesn't compare to the experience of talking to a real soldier. There's just a certain kind of gratitude you get when you're interacting with a real person, one who's "been there" and has the scars to prove it.

Later in the week, Veterans Day will be celebrated at The Memorial Building, starting with a free luncheon at 11 a.m. for veterans. The event will also include a dedication to local Gold Star families, or those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty, which will be cemented by a plaque to be installed outside of the Maury County Courthouse.

The big highlight of the upcoming Veterans Day ceremony will be the unveiling of a bust of former Veterans Services Director James Patterson, a man who sacrificed a lot to help countless local veterans to live better lives before his passing in 2019.

I'll never forget the first conversation Patterson and I had when he was alive. It was in 2018 at the first dedication of Firefighter Park at ColumbiaFire Station No. 1, which also coincided with the city's ceremony, recognizing the victims of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

It was after the main event, where Patterson was also a featured speaker. I simply approached him and introduced myself. I'd written about the work he had done many times before, but never had a face-to-face interaction.

I reached out and shook his hand and said, "Hey Mr. Patterson, I'm Jay from the paper. I don't believe we've actually met before."

He cut me off and simply said, "I know who you are. I read your articles. Thanks for all the work you do for the community."

It was only a few words, but absolutely humbling coming from a guy who had done so much for so many other people. It was a shame we couldn't have had more talks prior to his passing, because he was well loved and had so many great stories to share.

Above all, Patterson had an undying passion for helping veterans who needed it most by doing whatever it took, and no matter how much time it took. And he always di without asking for anything in return. This is the mark of a true serviceman.

The world can be a better place if we had more people like Patterson in it, and when you meet one you don't forget it. Many times, it's someone who also happens to be a veteran, someone who understands what it takes, and the sacrifices these heroes make so we can all live happy, comfortable and fulfilling lives.

It's why we celebrate Veterans Day, and why it is our duty to not only honor veterans, but also learn from them and not take for granted what they've done for us.

Jay Powell is a reporter for The Daily Herald. Contact him at jpowell@c-dh.net or follow him on Twitter @JayPowellCDH.

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