The Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial held their annual Veterans Day Program on Friday, Nov. 11.

The pledge of allegiance was led by Cary Hilliard, Chairman of the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial Board of Directors. The opening prayer was led by Justin Howe, Pastor at Lakeside Baptist Church. The national anthem was led by Rebecca Pelka. Commissioner Tim West, a USAF Veteran, welcomed those in attendance, and thanked city and state officials and Memorial board members who were in the crowd, including Congressman Lance Gooden, State Senator Bob Hall, and State Representative Bryan Slaton. West then introduced the guest speaker for the event, Nolan D. White, a former member of the U.S. Army and current attorney. White is an alumni of Canton High School, and currently resides in Canton. After graduating high school, White enlisted in the Army where he spent several years, before attending law school and receiving his license to practice law in the state of Texas. White noted the hardships of the military and praised all veterans in attendance for their commitment and toughness.

Following White’s speech, Spencer Pennington, a member of the Memorial Board, played Taps in front of the Memorial’s flag. In total, 85 were in attendance for the program.