Williams: ‘We must ensure their legacies live on’
RUSSELLVILLE — Retired Major Joe Williams, a 2001 Hamilton High School graduate, Mississippi State alumnus and Russellville resident, was the guest speaker at Friday’s RCS Veterans Day program in the RCS Auditorium. He said his military career taught him the importance of sacrifice, endurance and gratitude.
Williams drew from his 20-year career in the Alabama Army National Guard to help students understand why it’s important each year to salute those who have served and are still serving their country in the various branches of the military.
Williams enlisted as a high school senior in 2001, a few months before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, which prompted U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq.
He later deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan — experiences he said tested endurance and shaped his outlook on military service.
“Early in my career, I never imagined how being a veteran of this great nation would shape my life,” he said. “I met some great friends and lost a few great friends along the way.”
Those years, he added, taught him the value of teamwork and resilience under pressure.
Williams said fewer than 7% of Americans are veterans and less than 1% are currently serving.
“For many of us, service wasn’t about medals or recognition,” Williams said. “It was about serving our country, our fellow service members and the values we hold dear.
“None of these things came without cost,” he said, adding that generations of men and women have stepped forward to serve their country, often at great personal sacrifice.
“We remember those who didn’t come home, and the ones we lost after returning,” he added. “It’s our responsibility to ensure their legacy lives on.”
Students from West Elementary and Russellville Elementary participated in the program, singing and giving readings to show their appreciation for veterans.
WES second graders sang “On Veteran’s Day.” The RES fifth-grade chorus performed “How Do You Tell a Veteran, Thank You?” with solos by Anthony Alvarado and Lindsay Rush, accompanied on piano by Layla Rush.
WES second graders Tyshawn Porter, Marilyn Cotoc Chan and Dayton Flanagan joined RES fifth graders Jacelyn Darby, Cainen O’Malley and Camden Magerise to read “Veterans Day” by Jessica Hawkins.
RES fifth graders Jeremy Willis and Michael Vinson played “Taps.”
Russellville Elementary music teacher Emily Rush directed the fifth-grade chorus during the program. Her students performed two songs — “Oh, I Love America,” and “I Love My Country.” Her daughters, Layla and Lindsay, also took part in the program. Layla, a ninth grader, played piano for the fifth-grade chorus, while Lindsay, a fifth grader, performed one of the solos.
Rush worked alongside first-year West Elementary music teacher McKinley Copeland, who directed the second-grade classes during the program.
Russellville Elementary PrincipalTiffanyWarhurst said she was proud of how well students and teachers came together for the program.
“I thought second-grade and our fifth-grade chorus did a wonderful job performing,” Warhurst said.
Warhurst also praised retired officer Major Williams.
“He helped teach our students the importance of the sacrifices veterans make — that it’s not just
a day out of school,” she said.
Russellville High School Principal Col. Norman Lier was among those who attended the program. A 22-year U.S. Army veteran, he said recognition programs for veterans serve as powerful reminders of service and citizenship.
He said such recognition means a great deal to those who have worn a uniform because it serves as a reminder that their service is valued.
“We do it because of love of our country, and we do it for everybody here. Being able to sit there and have them come back and say thank you — it will almost just bring you to tears with gratitude.”
