Friday, Nov. 14, 2008

Southlake Honors Vets in City Employment

By Nicholas Sakelaris

Staff Writer

Southlake recognized 36 city employees on Veterans Day for their service in the military.

Veterans include firefighters, police officers, city administrators and park employees.

"I’m so proud that we have over 30 employees in the city of Southlake who are veterans and today is all about you," City Manager Shana Yelverton told a packed house in the City Council chambers.

That includes Jason Camblin, a public works employee who is currently deployed, she said.

She encouraged veterans to wear honorary pins all week so others could thank them.

Southlake City Councilwoman Virginia Muzyka read a proclamation from President Bush while Councilwoman Pamela Muller read one from Mayor Andy Wambsganss.

The ceremony also included a moving speech by Rear Adm. James Lair, a Southlake resident who served as a Navy fighter pilot in Vietnam and other conflicts. He credited veterans for preserving the rights Americans covet, like freedom of religion, freedom of the press and the right to vote.

"We are the benefactors of their valor, their loyalty, their dedication and oftentimes their ultimate sacrifice," Lair said.

He also expressed gratitude for the soldiers serving in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, calling them the "next great generation," a reference to the thousands of American who fought World War II.

"They fight today the same way our American warriors have since the Revolutionary War," Lair said.

Lair also recognized the sacrifices of families who "keep the home fires burning" while their loved ones serve the military.

Carroll students also marked the occasion with special patriotic concerts and other presentations.