Veterans Day Ceremony held at Sumter Courthouse on U.S.A’s 250th anniversary

The Veterans Day ceremony was held Nov. 11 at the Sumter County Courthouse. Sheriff Eric Bryant was the master of ceremonies. Joseph Arnett, Post Commander of the American Legion Post 558, welcomed attendees. Chaplain Charles Holt gave the prayer, and Dr. Oneida Wade Ingram introduced the key speaker, her son, Retired Col. Toddy Ingram. Sumter County High School Junior ROTC presented the colors, and the Sumter County High School Band played the National Anthem. Toddy Ingram traced the history of Veterans Day, which was preceded by Armistice Day. After the loss and sacrifice of World War I, Armistice Day was established by Woodrow Wilson. “In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first observance of Armistice Day, honoring those who served during World War One. In 1938, Congress passed Armistice Day, a federal holiday.” Recognizing the sacrifices made by all veterans, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation establishing Veterans Day in 1954.

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