Events lined up for area veterans
By Lori Mellinger Bullard Banner News

Area veterans will be twice honored this weekend with activities in Bullard on Saturday.

The first -- sponsored by the Bullard Chamber of Commerce was initiated when the chamber voted on postponing the annual Red, White and Blue celebration.

Dr. John Alexander -- who coordinated the event -- is asking community to come and participate - honoring everyone who has served in the military.

"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.

Alexander isn't revealing too many details about the ceremony.

"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 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday at the veterans ' memorial in front of Bullard City Hall. weather, the event will be moved to the high school gymnasium.

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

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.

Earlier in the day, another celebration will take place at the gazebo in downtown Bullard.

From 8 to 10 a.m., Jessup Roofing is hosting breakfast for veterans.

The event - in addition to honoring all area veterans - will specifically single out the late Cecil Harper.

Harper died in 2006 was a supporter of many local organizations and a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

The Bullard Chamber of Commerce designated a special Cecil Harper Humanitarian Award, and First United Methodist Church - where Harper was an active member, named a building for him.

"This is just my way of saying thank you to all veterans - especially our local ones," Jessup said. "I hope anyone who is a veteran or a family member of one will come and join us."

Jessup comes from a military family.

He served in U.S Air Force in Vietnam, his father was also USAF and served in the Korean War, his father-in-law, who served in the Army Air Corps, served in World War II and was at Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge.

Jessup's son, Colin Roth, served in Kosovo, in the U.S. Army.

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