Coulsons Fulton Co. Schools’ keynote speakers

Fulton County Schools held their annual Salute to Veterans Nov. 11, in the gymnasium of Fulton County High School.

Superintendent Aaron Collins welcomed the Veterans, their families and guests to the morning program.

FCHS Sophomore Class President Lamarious Stray opened the program with prayer. FHCS Senior Class President Jerome Warren led the Pledge of Allegiance, and FCHS students Hailee Edgin, Abigail Emmons, and Madison Emmons performed an a cappella rendition of The Star Spangled Banner.

FCMS Class President Ty’Airriah Freeman read “The Story of the Poppy”, and FCMS Class Officers, Emma Madding and Daniel Collins read the poem “In Flanders Fields”.

FCHS Senior Class Vice-President Marlena Sipes introduced the Veterans to the student body.

Veterans attending, branch of service, and years of service, included:

Army – Leonard Cermak, 1966 – 1968; Chris Coulson, 1998 – 2005 Enduring Freedom; Dr. Ed McWhirt, 1981 – 1991, Desert Storm/Desert Shield; Gerald Harris, 1965 – 1967 Vietnam; Willis Hayslett, 1973 – 1994 Vietnam; James “Doc” Roberts, 1959 – 1963; Mike Sheehan, 1969 – 1971 Paratrooper; Freddie Thomas, 1995 – 2005 Iraq; Perry Turner, 1977 – 2007 Desert Storm and National Guard – Iraq; Claude Morgan, 1963 – 1968.

Navy – Jim Jackson, 1950 – 954 Korean War; David Lattus, 1962 – 1966; Garrett Somerfield, 2003 – 2008; William Jackson, 1972 – 1979; and Josh Mullins, 2003 – 2016.

Air Force – Aaron Collins, 1992 – 1994 Desert Storm.

Marines – Roger Mathis, 1984 – 1990.

Coast Guard – Greg Cole, 1969 – 1973; William “Cole” Collins, 2000 – 2013; Dan Haw, 1974 – 1996; Ebbin Infinger, 1969 – 1976; and Claude West.

Army National Guard - Roy Miller, 1953 – 1955 Korean War; Rev. Billy Uzzle, 1984 – 1992; Phillip Uzzle, 1982 – 2007 Iraq; Chuck Everett, 1968 – 1974.

Fulton County School Librarian Ashley Coulson Whitlock introduced the Keynote speakers, her parents, Steve and Carol Coulson, retired Fulton County Educators.

Steve Coulson gave a history of what the Veterans have fought and done for us. They have fought and given us the Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Assembly, and Freedom of Expression to name a few.

Carol Coulson talked about some of the stories her father, the late Lawrence Cardwell, told of the war, following his tour in Czechoslovakia and being shot down and hiding from the Germans.

During the playing of the “Armed Forces Medley”, Fulton County Elementary School students held flags from the five branches of the Armed Forces.

Fulton County Senior Kikiyah Mitchell, soloist, sang Teresa Jennings “You Are our Heroes,” while students signed the song for the Veterans.

The program was closed with the playing of “Taps”.

Veterans and their families were invited to the Teacher’s Lounge for a reception following the program.