By Betsy Finklea
Harry Luther Moore was named the Dillon County Veteran of the Year at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday.
Cold, rainy weather did not stop many citizens from turning out to honor our veterans.
Moore enlisted in the 1970 and served through 1973. After his term of service, he joined the S.C. National Guard. He is a Vietnam veteran. He is well-known in the community for his participation in the annual Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies, and in the Latta community, for his upkeep and work in the Latta Veterans Park. He places flags in cemeteries at the graves of veterans. He is also active in the VFW and American Legion. Moore was very appreciative of the award.
Rev. Harold Cooke was the guest speaker. He said Veterans Day was a time to remember of veterans and their sacrifice. He quoted Winston Churchill who said, “We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us.” He briefly spoke about his own experience in the Army. He said it got him into shape, helped him grow up, and gave him leadership skills that lasted him a lifetime. Rev. Cooke also spoke about a member of the greatest generation. He said those in the military have one common cause which is to support and defend the freedom of the constitution of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Nancy Hodge was named the winner of the George F. Spradley Annual $1,000 Scholarship. She read her winning essay at the ceremony.
Charles Vance gave the welcome and announcements. He said Sunday marked the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and Saturday was the 243rd anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. He said this was the 30th year that a Dillon County Ceremony had been held. The colors were posted and retired by the City of Dillon Police Department Colorguard. Rev. Leo Chapman gave the invocation and benediction. Gene Minshew sang the National Anthem. The hoisting of the colors was done by Terry Morris, Tony Peele, Mallory Scott, and Harry Moore. James McRae led the pledge of allegiance. J. Reagan Walters presented the George Spradley scholarship.Tony Peele and Terry Morris laid the memorial wreath. Tommy Thompson presented the Veteran of the Year award. James Leslie played TAPS.

PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald
Click once on a photo to bring it into a single screen, and then again to enlarge.