Fannin County, Texas -- Veterans Days began as Armistice Day -- the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 when the armistice was signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France and hostilities finally ceased on the Western Front of World War I. This global conflict claimed the lives of nine million combatants and seven million civilians.

At the time, it was known as The War to End All Wars, yet a mere 21 years later all of the world's great powers were back on the battlefield for the deadliest conflict in history as World War II resulted in approximately 85 million deaths.

The balance of power that took shape in the aftermath of the Second World War continues to shape the geopolitical realm.

"The Greatest Generation created everything we enjoy today," remarked Gary Alexander, a Purple Heart recipient and featured speaker at the annual Veterans Day program hosted by Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home in Bonham.

That generation returned to the U.S. to purchase homes, build businesses and pursue an education, aided by the G.I. Bill, which Alexander called "the greatest decision the U.S. government ever made."

(L-R) Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd, Purple Heart recipient Gary Alexander, Fannin County Judge Spanky Carter

It is a matter of tremendous local pride that Saturday's patriotic program was held at a facility named after a member of that generation. Dodd City, Texas native Clyde Cosper was a B-17 pilot who prevented a disaster in the British community of Princes Risborough in the United Kingdom by guiding his falling bomber away from the populated area while the other nine members of his crew had a chance to bail out. Lieutenant Cosper died in the crash, but several of the local hero's relatives attended the event in Bonham on Saturday.

 The Clyde W. Cosper Texas States Veterans Home, which is located in Bonham and opened in 2001, accommodates veterans and their spouses with 160 beds and 32 certified Alzheimer's units.

Cub Scout Pack 54, along with the Dodd City High School Band, participated in the Veterans Day program.

Lunch was served at the conclusion.

Relatives of Lt. Clyde Cosper receive a round of applause from the crowd.

(L-R) U.S. Air Force veteran Myrna Trubey and her husband, U.S. Navy veteran and Bonham City Councilmember, John "Jet" Trubey

336th District Judge Lauri Blake is recognized.

The Dodd City High School Band performs under the direction of Juli Wild.

A bugler plays "Taps."

photos by Allen Rich