Every year, the City of White Hall hosts their Veterans Day Program at the White Hall Museum. But, due to rain, the event was moved to White Hall First Baptist Church Monday. Despite the showers, Ivy Farnell showed up to celebrate veterans just like him.
“It’s a special day that we can honor our veterans, our country and show our patriotism…,” he said. “I’m very patriotic. My late dad was patriotic. He was in World War II.”
Farnell, who served in the Navy from 1972-1976, says the annual program is special to those in the community who have served.
“I appreciate it, because White Hall is a nice city,” he said. “It’s a safe city to work in and it shows you the caliber of people here. They have one in the Pine Bluff area, too. So, it really means a lot to me.”
Pine Bluff Arsenal commander Col. Luis Ortiz served as the guest speaker for the event reflecting on those who continue to serve after their time in the military.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“It makes me start to think about after I retire what’s going to happen and what am I going to do and I have many examples that continue to be humbled in their service to the community and the country,” he said. “So, I’m hoping to fall in their footsteps.”
Kandace Bell’s father, James Bell, served in the Air Force. The White Hall native says attending the Veterans Day program was a tradition for her family.
“I have taken him and my family to Veterans Day celebrations both in White Hall and in Pine Bluff,” Bell said. “I just think it’s so great that our city of Pine Bluff as well as White Hall are putting on these celebrations, so that we will forever remember the service of these individuals in these communities.”
Although Bell’s father wasn’t in attendance this year, she felt it was still important to show up and pay tribute to the men and women of the military in her community and beyond.
“I think that it’s important that we always remember our veterans and hold sacred the service that they have given to this country, because without their service we may not have the freedoms in which we enjoy today,” she said. “So, I think it’s extremely important that I appear at these events as just a resident and citizen of this country showing support for our veterans.”