The 2024 Dillon County Veterans Day Ceremony was held on Monday, November 11th.
The colors were posted by the Dillon High School Army JROTC Cadets. The Rev. Mike Summerlin (pastor of Manning Chapel UMC in Bingham and Oakland UMC in Little Rock, army veteran, recipient of the Silver Star for Gallantry, and the Bronze Star Medal of Valor) gave the invocation. The National Anthmeme was sung by Jim Crawford of the Dillon County Sheriff’s OFfice and members of the Carolina Master of Chorale, directed by Dr. Tim Koch.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ryan Carter of Dillon High School. Keniah Ariel Owens of Dillon School sang “God Bless America.”
Dillon Mayor Tally McColl presented a plaque to Dillon County’s Oldest Living Veteran Thomas “Pal” Dudley at today’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Mr. Dudley was the Grand Marshal of today’s Veterans Day Parade. Mr. Dudley is 100 years old and served in World War II. In 1943 at the age of 19, Mr. Dudley was drafted into the army. After 18 months of service and with World War II over, Mr. Dudley returned to Dillon County, where he resumed his job at Dillon Veneer. Later, in 1970, he was asked to join the City of Dillon Police Department, where he served for 14 years. He is also known for selling produce at his roadside vegetable stand in the Little Rock area. He is a founding member of Friendship Baptist Church of Dillon. He thanked everyone for coming and participating today and said he had never seen this many people at a Veterans Day service. God Bless you all, every one, Mr. Dudley said.
Chaplain David Morgan was the guest speaker at today’s Veterans Day program. Among the things he discussed was strategies for spiritual fitness. He named four things: 1) Community (The importance of having someone with shared experiences can foster that purpose.) 2) Reflection and Self-Care (This can include journaling and prayer.) 3) Selfless Service (This can be volunteering, mentoring, and having a purpose by serving others).; and 4) Trusing God. The audience seemed to enjoy his message.
A wreath honoring veterans was placed by Chaplain David Morgan, Parade Grand Marshal Thomas “Pal ” Dugley, and Lloyd Brown, USAF. The wreath donated by South Carolina Senator Kent Williams. TAPS was played by Dillon High School Student, Cameron Ellison.
The 2024 Veteran of the Year was presented by Charlie Vance to Justin Foxworth. See related article:
The colors were retired by the Dillon High School Army JROTC. The benediction was given by Rev. Summerlin. Refreshments were enjoyed after the program prepared by the American Legion Auxliary Unit 32.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
