By Dana Lance, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Chickasaw Nation Head Start students Lauryn Little, left and Madison Crispin show their support for America's troops at Wednesday's National Support the Troops and their Families Day gathering conducted at Chickasaw Nation Headquarters.
Chickasaw Nation Head Start students Lauryn Little, left and Madison Crispin show their support for America's troops at Wednesday's National Support the Troops and their Families Day gathering conducted at Chickasaw Nation Headquarters.
Members of the Chickasaw Nation and the Ada community-both young and old- paused to remember America's troops Wednesday, March 26. The ceremony was conducted at Chickasaw Nation headquarters to commemorate the "National Support the Troops and their Families Day."
The day was designated by Congress to remember active duty troops and their families and their enormous sacrifices made in service to the United States.
"We have deep debt of gratitude to these members of the armed forces-our friends and neighbors-who make selfless sacrifices to ensure our way of life,"said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. We honor all active troops and their families."
"Because of our military we can have our freedom and democracy," Chickasaw Nation Lieutenant Governor Jefferson Keel told the crowd. "We may not see it, but each and every one of us has someone over there."
Chickasaw legislator Wanda Blackwood Scott attended the ceremony to honor her son, Major Jimmy Dale Scott.
Major Scott is in the midst of his third tour of duty with the United States Army in Kirkuk, Iraq.
"He is coming home this year," she said.
The ceremony, which was attended by dozens of adults and children, included a flag presentation by the Chickasaw Honor Guard and a prayer by Lighthorse Police Chief Jason O'Neal.
A moment of silence was observed to recognize the sacrifices of service members and their families.
Following the ceremony, participants had the opportunity to write a note of encouragement or gratitude to servicemen and service women who are serving away from home.
A station was also available to update military addresses and information.
First passed by Congress in 2006, "National Support the Troops and Their Families Day" was the idea of a Michigan teenager. The resolution states that "all Americans should participate in a moment of silence to support our troops."
