The Mayes County Courthouse lawn was adorned with greatness as veterans of all ages converged for the Veteran’s Day Parade tribute. Also in attendance were school children, family members and citizens from all walks of life.

World War II Veteran Jim Lamb began the program by leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Lonnie Litke sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Mayor Jimmy Tramel followed with comments to those in attendance.

He gave a great thanks to Hollie Ketcher, who has been the parade and service organizer since it began, seven years ago.

He also gave special thanks to the World War II veterans in attendance. The veterans were given special seats of honor at the very front, near the stage.

Using an anatomy comparison, Tramel cited the importance of the backbone, or spine to health and even life.

“You truly are the backbone of America,” he said to the veterans. “We thank you.”

Then the first graders of Roosevelt School, who gathered on stage and sang “God Bless the USA” using hand motions as well, touched audience members.

It didn’t take long for the seated veterans to rise to their feet in appreciation for the song, and the kids who were singing.

State Representative Ben Sherrer also spoke to the veterans, opting to stand on the ground before them, instead of the stage.

“Here it is, the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. It is only fitting that we are here to honor you,” he said. “I’m standing on the ground because it would be vain of me to stand there.” He motioned to the stage.

“I’m going to dispense with prepared comments, because I just want to speak from my heart, here,” he said.

He spoke of the calling that veterans heed. A calling that changes the course of the world.

“I’ve asked why they do it,” he said. “They answer that it was the right thing to do.”

He talked of his own life and of honoring their service by doing the right thing.

“I can do it as a father, teaching my kids about your sacrifice,” Sherrer said. “I can do it as a husband, as a legislator, as a Sunday School teacher.”

He paused, then addressed the veterans again.

“Every opportunity I’ve had has been served up on your backs, the veterans,” he said. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

WWII Veteran Tommy Nixon gave the invocation, signifying the end of the service.

As the people moved away and the students returned to their classrooms, Hollie Ketcher greeted people and thanked them for their attendance.

Quietly she said, “You know, the first year I did this, we worked a few months trying to get a parade going.”

On Nov. 10, at 5:30 p.m. on the eve of Pryor’s first Veteran’s Day parade, her world stopped.

“At 5:30 that evening, my husband received his orders to deploy to Iraq,” she said, tears rising in her eyes. “I thought to myself, how am I going to do this tomorrow?”

But she did. The following year, with her husband away serving, she did it again.

And seven years later, she’s still organizing.

“I don’t want our veterans ever forgotten,” she said. Ever.