Family, friends, elected officials, and dignitaries came together Wednesday morning, August 28, 2024, to celebrate and honor one of Perry County’s native sons—World War II and Korean War veteran Earl Westbrooks.

The event took place in the PCHS Rhodes Memorial Gymnasium at 10:00 a.m., before a crowd that included well-behaved students from all four Perry County schools.
Perry County’s Kirk Haston, State Representative for the 72nd District, opened the ceremony by recognizing veterans in attendance and thanking them for their service. He introduced for Miss Perry County and Miss Tennessee 2022 Lauren Dickson who performed a moving rendition of the National Anthem.

Commissioner Tommy Baker, Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs, took podium and expressed his appreciation to veterans, and in particular, to Mr. Westbrooks. The Commissioner had the honor of introducing the 25th most decorated veteran in U.S. history, distinguished guest Colonel James C. Harding. USAF (retired).

Colonel Harding, now 90 years old, served two tours in Vietnam and flew nearly 600 combat missions. He is the recipient of the Air Force Cross (second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor), forty air medals, three Silver Stars, and four Purple Hearts.

After comments about military service, he addressed the younger members of the crowd and encouraged to find something in life they enjoy doing and be successful doing it. He then led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Representative Haston and State Senator Ed Jackson, 25th District, presented a framed joint resolution passed by both chambers of the Tennessee legislature that recognized Mr. Westbrooks with “gratitude for his bravery and dedication to preserving our precious freedoms.”

Senator Jackson then introduced Congressman Mark Green who serves Perry County and the Seventh District in the U.S. House.

Dr. Green, a veteran, said he was happy to visit Perry County, calling it the “heart of our country” and noting its obvious patriotism.

He said being a veteran is all about telling stories of service experiences, then shared several poignant tales from his own time in the U.S. Army. He concluded his remarks by saying it is always right to celebrate the accomplishments and service of veterans because they “will sweat, bleed, and die, but never give up” in the fight for freedom.

Dr. Green then shared a transcript of remarks he read from the U.S. House floor into the Congressional record, assuring Mr. Westbrooks’ place in U.S. history, and presented the framed congressional resolution to the honoree.

The Congressman, Senator Jackson, and Representative Haston then recognized and presented American flags and commemorative Challenge Coins to two other World War II veterans in attendance: JW Alley and Wayne Barnett.

At the closing, Representative Haston thanked everyone for attending, then turned the podium over to PCHS Principal Blake Skelton who thanked organizers for holding the event at the school and allowing students to witness the recognition of Mr. Westbrooks.

..... FOR COMPLETE STORY AND ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, PLEASE READ 9.4.24 ISSUE OF THE REVIEW.....