Coshocton Wal-Mart recognizes veterans
Dave Hoffman from the American Legion accepts a very special American flag from Ruth Opphile and Stephanie Hoke, Wal-Mart manager, on Saturday, Nov. 10 during Wal-Mart’s Veterans Day service. The flag is made of red and white sticky notes with messages written by both Wal-Mart employees and customers, thanking veterans for their services. The flag will hang in the American Legion on Main Street in Coshocton
The Coshocton Wal-Mart recognized local veterans during a special ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10. The front entrance of Wal-Mart was crowded with residents who came out early Saturday morning to pay their respects to both past and current United States military personnel.
“It was just an honor to be able to be a part of such a special day,” said Stephanie Hoke, store manager. “Just to have everyone come out and support us, it made it such a great day.”
The program started with Mark Granger, pastor of New Life Ministries, giving the invocation. Kathy Stevens performed the Star-Spangled Banner with accompanist, Bill Stevens, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Mayor Steven Mercer of Coshocton read a proclamation in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Mayor Jack Patterson of West Lafayette read a proclamation from President Obama declaring the celebration of Veterans Day.
“My dad was in World War I,” said Ruth Opphile, coordinator of the event, “My brother was in Korea and my husband was in Vietnam. I don’t think our military gets enough recognition. I think we need to have more events to honor these veterans. I just put my heart and soul into this. I’m proud of them all.”
Hoke presented certificates to all Wal-Mart employees who had either fought for our country or had family members who were veterans. She and Opphile then presented Dave Hoffman of the American Legion with a flag made of thank you sticky notes from Wal-Mart associates and customers. The flag will be displayed at the American Legion.
“It means about everything to me,” said Hoffman about the flag. “You can tell a lot of kids did that on their own and it means a lot. I guess that’s why we do what we do.”
Kathy Stevens ended the program by singing ‘God Bless the USA’.
Category: People & Places
