The 2025 Veterans Day Program, presented by the Dillon County, South Carolina Veterans of the Year Organization (founded 1993), was held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11th at Veterans Square at the Dillon City-County Complex.
Thom Thompson, USAF Veteran, opened the program. Mayor Tally McColl gave the welcome along with Dillon County Council Chairman Stevie Grice. The colors were posted by the DHS JROTC students. Rev. Matthew Adams of Dillon First Presbyterian Church gave the invocation. The National Anthem was sung by the Carolina Master Chorale. Shayla Johnson Girls State Delegate Class of 2025, led the Pledge of Allegiance. A special presentation was made the family of the late Jerry Huggins, former Veterans Affairs Director. Accepting was his wife, Rachel, and son, Clint. The guest speaker was Mr. Thomas Dry Howle, II, U.S. Army Veteran, who spoke about his ancestor, Major Thomas Dry Howe, who died at age 36 at the Battle of St. Lo in Normandy, France.
The memorial wreath was placed by several local officials.
Charlie Vance, a past veteran of the year, announced this year’s winner, Tommy Hayes. The plaque qas presented by past Veteran of the Year Justin Foxworth. He was pinned and given a challenge coin by Thom Thompson and James E. Lockemy. The colors were retired by the DHS JROTC and Thom Thompson gave closing remarks. Rev. Adams closed with a benediction.
Afterwards, guests enjoyed refreshments prepared by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 32.
Here are some photos from the Veterans Day 2025 Celebration at Veterans Square at the Dillon City-County Complex.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
