The 10th Annual Armed Forces Day Dinner and Celebration in Bonham featured speeches by Congressman Ralph Hall and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, but it was also an opportunity to enjoy good music and good friends while remembering the sacrifice of America's men and women in uniform.
The event, held Saturday evening in the Fannin County Multi-Purpose Complex, will have something new next year emcee Joe Ward announced. The Richard and Jayne Deweese Memorial Scholarship will be awarded at the Armed Forces Dinner and Celebration, beginning in 2008. Mr. Deweese passed away May 6, 2007 and he was instrumental in establishing this annual event.
Auctioneer Doug Taylor had the crowd involved in lively bidding for special dessert trays, maps, photographs and even a two week stay in the luxury resort located in southeast Bonham...better known as the Fannin County Jail.
"This package includes valet service, designer orange and white coveralls and you are sure to meet new and exciting friends," Fannin County Sheriff Kenneth Moore joked with the crowd. "We always have room for one more."
Disabled American Veteran Chapter 129 conducted the Presentation of Colors, Col. John Welch led the pledge to the U.S. flag, Jay Tarwater led the pledge to the Texas Flag and Rita Fulmer sang the national anthem.
Fannin County Attorney Richard Glaser joined Joe Ward to recognize special guests. Mr. Glaser gave special thanks to State Representative Larry Phillips and Congressman Ralph Hall for their commitment to Fannin County.
"It amazes me," Glaser said, "how these men can spend so much time in Fannin County and still take care of all their work in Austin and Washington."
Gabe Parker stepped forward to introduce the first featured speaker, Texas Commissioner of Agriculture, Todd Staples. Commissioner Staples, a resident of Palestine, Texas, was sworn in January 1, 2007, becoming the 11th Texas Commissioner of Agriculture. Prior to holding this office, Staples was elected to the Texas House of Representatives twice and than served two terms in the Texas Senate.
"It is an honor to work with your state representative and an honor to work with Congressman Hall," Commissioner Staples said.
As Texas grows from 23 million current residents to an estimated 40 million by 2060, Staples considers agriculture to be a "powerhouse" segment of the evolving economy. Agriculture is an $85 billion a year business that results in 10 percent of the gross state profit.
In addition, the relatively recent advent of biofuels has injected a new sense of urgency into farming.
"Today's farmers have an opportunity to decrease our dependency on foreign oil," Commissioner Staples noted, "and I think that is a special opportunity."
State Representative Larry Phillips introduced the next featured speaker.
"He is known in Washington and he is known here," Rep. Phillips remarked. "I am proud to introduce Ralph Hall."
Always remember our soldiers, Congressman Hall stressed, because they are thinking about home. Then it is just as important to take care of our veterans when they come home, he said.
Veterans in Fannin County are fortunate to have a large V.A. complex in Bonham to meet their needs without the added hardship of travel.
"Because a great man like Sam Rayburn walked this way, we have the Sam Rayburn memorial Veterans Center," Hall stated.
Then the congressman addressed the situation in Iraq.
"We need to do something about getting out of there, but getting out honorably," Hall said. "Let the generals fight the war."
Illegal immigration was the next topic
"We ignored the immigration problem for 20 years," Hall commented. "It is hard to give any type of citizenship to someone that broke our laws and I don't think that is going to happen. The border is about 78 percent closed now and we are going to close that border. We want to be fair, but we've got to be firm."
