Volunteers finalize plans
Schedule of events slated for Armed Forces Day ceremony
By Lori Mellinger Bullard Banner News

Dr. John Alexander and Jay Abercrombie are finalizing plans for a service honoring veterans on Armed Forces Day.

The two paired up to organize a service at a recent chamber of commerce meeting.

Because the Red, White and Blue festival - - which until this year coincided with Armed Forces Day - is now scheduled around Bullard's homecoming football game, the two decided to augment the honoring of veterans also to be held at the festival.

"Even though veterans will still be honored at the Red, White and Blue Festival, we believed we shouldn't miss another opportunity to thank them for all they've done," Alexander said.

The move came on the heels of four chamber members objecting to changing the date of the festival.

"I would like to thank these two gentlemen for seeing the need to continue the festival on Armed Forces Day. I know that they will do a great job," wrote Susan Gardner, in an e-mail to chamber members.

And while the Alexander and Abercrombie are still gathering area veterans to participate in the event, plans are finalized.

But Alexander isn't revealing too many details.

"All I can say right now is that you don't want to miss it," he said. "We have some surprises in store -- stories, music and speakers."

The event will be held from 2-3 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the veterans' memorial in front of Bullard City Hall.

Anyone veteran attending is asked to call Darline McKay at 903-894-4001 or e-mail her at remember.when@earthlink.net so proper seating can be arranged.

Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May.

"If you don't leave with a tear in your eye, I've not done my job," Alexander said.