Veterans, including Hattiesburg's Veteran of the Year, will be honored in weekend events
Hattiesburg will honor area veterans Friday during a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. The annual event will feature recognition of veterans of all branches of the military.
Celebratory music, a solemn service and presentations will remind veterans their contributions to their country are appreciated.
“Hattiesburg proudly stands as a military and veterans’ community," Mayor Toby Barker said in a news release. We honor those amongst us who have worn the uniform. We remember those who lost their lives in defense of our Republic."
Each year, the city honors one special veteran who is selected by the Hattiesburg Veterans Committee from a list of nominees submitted during an open call each year.
“Our city has been selecting an outstanding citizen who has served our nation honorably in one of the United States uniformed military branches for the past 29 years,” Veteran of the Year Committee Chair Col. Sheila Varnado said in a news release.
This year's Veteran of the Year is retired Air Force Master Sgt. Rex Hasty, a second-generation service member who called many places home.
“I’m honored to have been selected," Hasty said. "I spent 27½ years in the service and I miss it. But, I learned quickly that there are still plenty of opportunities to continue serving — to take care of each other.”
Hasty enlisted in the Air Force in 1979 and served until 1987. He joined the Air Force Reserve, where he served in 1988 and 1989. He continued his military service in the Air National Guard from 1989 until 2007.
Most of his time in the military was served in Alaska. In 2013, when he and his wife moved to Hattiesburg to be closer to their daughter and her family, he found a way to continue serving his community.
Hasty has been involved with the Masons and Shriners for many years, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He also spends his time helping others through the American Legion Post 61, Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association, Hattiesburg DAV Chapter 62 and VFW Post 3036.
“When we enlist, we take an oath," Hasty said. "There’s no expiration date on that. It’s a habit and taking care of each other is what we do.”
Hasty is the primary driver for the VFW's VA Shuttle Bus program, driving area veterans once a week to the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Medical Center in Jackson for their medical appointments and bringing them home again. He has worked with the shuttle program for nearly 10 years.
“I knew we selected the right recipient when I notified him of his award," Varnado said. "We were trying to schedule a press conference with the mayor’s office, and he quickly shared that he would not be available for a certain date due to his commitment to serving our fellow veterans through this bus program.
"Someone who puts their service to others above opportunities to serve him or herself is a key characteristic of all who are selected as Veteran of the Year.”
To see a list of past veterans or learn how to nominate a veteran, visit hattiesburgms.com/veteransday.
Veterans Day events
Thursday, Nov. 9
A 24-hour vigil will begin at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 399 West Pine St. in downtown Hattiesburg.
Friday, Nov. 10
The annual Hattiesburg Veterans Day parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Hardy Street at 17th Avenue in the parking lot of Hardy Street Baptist Church, 1508 Hardy St. The parade will end at Veterans Memorial Park.
Paradegoers are invited to stay at the park to honor area veterans during the city's annual Veterans Day ceremony, which begins at 11 a.m.
Friday-Sunday, Nov. 10-12
Mississippi Aquarium, 2100 East Beach Blvd. in Gulfport, will offer free admission to veterans and active-duty military service members from Friday to Sunday. During the weekend, accompanying family members will receive $5 off general admission.
Saturday, Nov. 11
The Veterans Memorial Museum, 920 Hillcrest Drive in Laurel, will hold a ceremony at 10 a.m. Veterans of all wars will be honored with the music of their times.
Hattiesburg Zoo, 107 South 17th Ave., will offer free admission all day Saturday to veterans and active-duty military with valid military ID. Free admission does not apply to dependents, nor does it apply to carousel, train rides or other zoo amenities.
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This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Hattiesburg area Veterans Day events, Veteran of the Year named
