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Locals commemorate Veterans Day

Local veterans were honored in a program Wednesday at the Grambling Community Center. The veterans gathered there talked about their experiences, recalling how even now they get emotional.

Dr. Lamore Carter, who was drafted at 18, said he feels “blessed” that he was able to serve the nation.

“Every Veterans Day, I wish to see a fellow soldier with the same patch I have on my chest,” Carter said.

He noted that fewer than 2 million veterans from World War II are still alive.

Sidney Branch, who served in Korea and Vietnam, recalled that he felt excitement and pride when he enlisted. An Army volunteer at 19, Branch said his proudest moment was the Inchon Invasion in 1950 in Korea, but that he felt fear when going to Vietnam because of the death he had seen in previous combat.

World War II veteran James Jackson, 94, noted that there is still a need to keep remembering veterans because there is still much the world doesn’t know about World War II and African-American soldiers. Jackson was a Buffalo Soldier.

As a further observance of Veterans Day, the Orchesis Dance Troupe and Sumthin’ Serious dancers will perform at halftime at tonight’s football game, where Military Appreciation Night will be observed.

Military personnel with proper identification will not have to pay to attend the game between Grambling State and Texas Southern, which kicks off at 8:05 p.m.

– Gerald Rhoden