Local and state dignitaries came out on Wednesday morning for the 2009 Veteran's Day ceremony on the lawn of the Loudon County Courthouse. The guest of honor was the Tennessee Commissioner for Veterans Affairs John Keys, himself a veteran of the Vietnam War. 

With county chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion conducting the ceremony and the Lenoir City High School Band playing patriotic music, several county residents turned out for the county's annual tribute to American service men and women. Also on hand were two Gold Star Mothers who lost sons in the nation's service. 

As each branch of the service was called, veterans of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Coast Guard and Marines held up their hands to be recognized for answering the call to service. Among the veterans at the Courthouse for the ceremony were Glen Presley, a veteran of the Army, and his father, Billy Presley who served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. 

"I feel very small in light of their contributions," said Loudon Mayor Inky Sweeney of the veterans. 

Loudon County Mayor Doyle Arp reminded the crowd to thank veterans and their families for their sacrifice and contributions. 

State Rep. Jimmy Matlock called for a moment of silence in recognition of the soldiers killed recently at Fort Hood in Texas. 

Keys' introduction included his background as a veteran and his career in veteran's affairs. Keys praised veterans for their efforts in the "name of peace and freedom"  in the face of "untold courage and sacrifice."

He noted American veterans not only deserve the thanks of their fellow citizens but from people around the world who depend on the United States to ensure their freedom.

"American veterans have defended liberty and peace and sought to build a better world," Keys told the crowd. He also quoted President John F. Kennedy saying, "A nation is known for the men it remembers and honors." 

Keys said there are 23 million veterans and 57 million survivors of veterans who must be looked after if we are truly a nation grateful for their willingness to give up "school, jobs and family to serve" the nation.

The ceremony was capped by the Loudon High School Band's rendition of "America the Beautiful" and the mournful strains of "Taps" played by veteran Richard Bittenbender of American Legion Post 120.