Area veterans were honored by Cleveland and Bradley County with a Veterans Day salute at First Street Square.
Glenn Slaughter was awarded the Raymond H. Miller Patriotic Award for leading efforts to build wheelchair ramps at the homes of veterans who need them and other assistance to fellow veterans. The award was presented to Slaughter by Mary Baier, chairwoman of the awards committee and co-chairwoman for the Veterans Day Program,
Veterans organizations presented Mayor Tom Rowland with a plaque expressing appreciation for being master of ceremonies for the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs for 52 years. The plaque was presented by Program Chairman Steve Stewart who is also stepping down from his many years leading the program.
Brandi King, Whirlpool senior communications specialist and former Chattanooga television anchorwoman, is the new master of ceremonies. Mr. Stewart is being succeeded by veteran Pedro Gonzales, co-chairman for 2018.
Chattanooga television anchor Josh Roe, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, whose stories highlight area veterans, was the featured speaker. Mr. Roe urged his audience to preserve the stories, those known and those yet untold, of area veterans. He praised the Cleveland community for its support of veterans.
Mayor Rowland presented a certificate of appreciation to the Cleveland High School Band and Director Jim Burton. The band has provided patriotic music for the Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs and a bugle rendition of Taps since the School was founded over 50 years ago.
State Representative Kevin Brooks read a message to the community from Governor Bill Haslam.
Kathay Pegram of the Cherokee Blossom Quilting Guild presented a Quilt of Valor to Donnie Hancock, commander of American Legion Post 81.
Rev. Stan Gibson, from Candies Creek Baptist Church, was the chaplain. The colors were posted and retrieved by the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, Chattanooga Division. The Bradley County Funeral Honor Guard fired a military rifle salute.