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Sons of the American Legion Post 213 Commander Willie Glasper, left, presents a proclamation to retired Master Sgt. Tommy Tribble during Monday's Veterans Day service. (Photos by Blake Bell/The Vicksburg Post)

Veterans salute the American flag during this year's Veterans Day service.

Unit commanders place the wreath during this year's Veterans Day service.

Brig. Gen. Jimmy E. Fowler, left, presents Cmdr. Willie Glasper with a medal.

Brig. Gen. Jimmy E. Fowler, left, presents Cmdr. Willie Glasper with a medal.

Cmdr. Willie Glasper, left, presents retired Master Sgt. Tommy Tribble with a proclamation during Monday's Veterans Day service.

Bonnie Brown Johnson performs a patriotic selection.

Comrade Linda Stevens recites the poem "In Flanders Fields."

State Rep. Oscar Denton introduces speaker Brig. Gen. Jimmy E. Fowler.

Retired Master Sgt. Tommy Tribble gives a wave during Monday's service.

Brig. Gen. Jimmy E. Fowler serves as this year's Veterans Day service keynote speaker.

Brig. Gen. Jimmy E. Fowler, left, presents Cmdr. Willie Glasper with a medal.

Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr., left, presents Cmdr. Willie Glasper with a proclamation.

Minister Marcus James leads the crowd in prayer.

Those in attendance at Monday's service recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Those in attendance at Monday's service recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Those in attendance at Monday's service recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Those in attendance at Monday's service recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Those in attendance at Monday's service recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Those in attendance at Monday's service recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Leader Comander Arnette Nash performs "God Bless America."

Veterans salute during Monday's service.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace, far right, stands with deputies during Monday's Veterans Day service.

Vicksburg High School's Jr. ROTC members flank the memorial at the Rose Garden in downtown Vicksburg.

Comrade Rick Martin serves as the master of ceremony during Monday's Veterans Day service.

Brig. Gen. Jimmy E. Fowler speaks at the Vicksburg Rose Garden Monday.

Cmdr. Willie Glasper, left, presents a proclamation to WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War veteran Master Sgt. (Ret.) Tommy Tribble during Monday's Veterans Day service. (Photos by Blake Bell/The Vicksburg Post)

Vicksburg’s downtown Rose Garden served as the site for the 2024 Veterans Day service that immediately followed the Parade of Honor down Washington Street Monday.

Retired United States Army Brig. Gen. Jimmy E. Fowler served as the day’s keynote speaker and spent much of his time at the podium shining a spotlight on local veterans he said have done a tremendous service to Vicksburg, the state of Mississippi and the nation.

Included in the recognition were American Legion Post 213 Commander and retired Brig. Gen. Donna Williams, Comrade Linda Stevens of Post 213, Leader Commander Arnette Nash and Sons of the American Legion Post 213 Commander Willie Glasper.

“I want to pay some respects to some people, starting with Willie Glasper,” Fowler said of the commander, who has fought health problems over the course of the past year. “He is a great patriot and a friend of all of us and one tough customer. A lot of you may know some of the stuff he’s been going through in the past year. I’m so happy that he’s a personal friend and a Vicksburg native. I don’t believe that there’s anyone presently in Vicksburg that does more to bring recognition to our veterans.”

Following his speech, Fowler presented Glasper with one of his own De Fleury Medals, the highest award for professional excellence in the U.S. Army Engineer Regiment.

“During my career, I was fortunate enough to have been presented with two medals of the highest award for an army engineer, the bronze and silver De Fleury Medal,” Fowler told Glasper from the podium. “I’m presently wearing my silver one and what I’d like to do is offer my bronze medal to you.”

Fowler also recognized local organizations and urged any veteran not already a member to consider joining.

“I’d also like to mention three great local organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post 3 and American Legion Post 213. If you’re a veteran and have not already become a member of one of these organizations, please join one, because they each offer great fellowship and have some really smart folks that can help with getting benefits that you deserve and might not even be aware of.”

Fowler said Veterans Day is a 105-year-old tradition in the U.S., and one which the importance of cannot be overstated.

“Today we are here to honor the duty and sacrifice of America’s treasured veterans,” he said. “That means today we tip our hats to more than 16 million people scattered across this country.”

With honoring veterans in mind, Glasper, who was presented with a proclamation during Monday’s ceremony by Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr., passed along the honor to retired Master Sgt. Tommy Tribble. Tribble, a 98-year-old veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, served as grand marshal for the 2024 Parade of Honor.

As for his own service, Fowler said the example of patriotism in his life was set by his father.

“Growing up as an army brat, I saw my father serve proudly in the army for 26 years,” he said. “During that time, I saw what kind of man that made him and it made me want to be a part of it. Although the vast majority of my service was with the army reserves, I’ve personally witnessed the sacrifices many women and men and their spouses have made for their community and for their great country. Although, at times it was difficult and demanding, I can honestly say the years I served are the most personally rewarding for me, and I believe I’m a much better man for it.”

Fowler said the service of veterans not only highlights a proud history and provides protection for American’s present, but also sets an example – as his father did for him – that will inspire the next generation to serve in the future.

“We can only hope and pray, as the need arises, many others will be willing to raise their hand and serve this nation during the next 100 years,” he said. “So, I say to current members of our armed forces and veterans who are here today, I am deeply honored and humbled to spend Veterans Day with you in this beautiful setting.”

In closing, Fowler urged those in attendance who had not served in the U.S. armed forces to perform one simple act:
“Thank a veteran,” he said. “I know it will make at least two people happy: you and the veteran you thanked. In a world that is characterized by constant uncertainty, we know for sure that today, America is free and secure because of their efforts.”

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