"How do Americans properly thank their soldiers on Veterans Day? By living their lives and enjoying America's greatness."

That was the message Lt. Col. Heyward Stackhouse, South Carolina State University professor of military science, brought to the hundreds gathered for Orangeburg's annual Veterans Day ceremony Tuesday morning.

"Americans can thank soldiers by taking full advantage of all the rights that soldiers defend," Stackhouse said. "Vote in every election, write letters to the editor of your local newspaper, volunteer your time for a worthy cause, fulfill your jury duty, be a volunteer firefighter, mentor a kid ... live your lives and be good Americans.

"The greatest thanks an American can give a veteran is not to waste the freedoms soldiers sacrificed to gain."

Stackhouse said the percentage of soldiers who survive serious injuries has increased, leading the Army to establish Warrior Transition Units. The WTUs are medical treatment facilities for wounded soldiers.

"Any organization, and in particular the Army, is largely evaluated by how it treats its members most in need," Stackhouse said.

Stackhouse shared some changes the U.S. Army has made over the past year to become more efficient and upgrade its support systems. The Army has started programs to sustain soldiers and their families, prepare soldiers for greater success and reset them effectively upon their return.

During the ceremony, Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller thanked all the veterans for their service.

He also gave an update on plans for the Orangeburg Veterans Memorial. Miller said engineering and soil work has been done on the proposed site across the street from the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce.

"Bear with us," Miller said. "I can tell you it will cost more than we have money for. This monument, when we do get it finished, will be something you can be proud of. It would be wonderful if we would have it finished so we could hold this event there next year."

Currently, the city has about $375,000 set aside for the project. It estimates it needs an additional $150,000 to $200,000 to build it.

Orangeburg County Veterans Council Commander Bill Salley read a proclamation from Gov. Mark Sanford recognizing Tuesday as Veterans Day, as well as a proclamation announcing the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Celebration Day. The Marine Corps was started Nov. 10, 1775.

The Gold Star/Blue Star Mothers, prisoners of war and those missing in action were all recognized.

Several local schools participated in the ceremony, including Mellichamp and Rivelon elementary schools.

The children, under the direction of Melvin Brown, sang "My Country Tis of Thee," said the "Pledge of Allegiance" and sang "America, I Hear you Sing."

Ten-year old Lionel Perry of Mellichamp sang the National Anthem.

Other groups in attendance included JROTC members from North, Edisto, Lake Marion and Orangeburg-Wilkinson high schools, as well as various veterans groups.

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551.

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