By Staff Writer: Julia Simmons
Photo Credit: Julia Simmons
On November 8, Lowe’s Home Improvement held a Veteran’s Day event in their Clovis Store. Lowe’s is known for their support for military veterans, and store 1781 in Clovis has several on staff.
The Clovis High School choir performed the National Anthem, and the JROTC presented colors for the ceremony. Store Associate Retired Major Steve Brooks hosted, giving a brief history of Veteran’s Day. Brooks works in the store as their receiving clerk but is also involved in most store events.
Colonel William Donovan, a veteran of desert storm as well as the owner of several accolades, traveled to Clovis to speak at the event. He focused on thanking all veterans, active-duty military personnel, and families of veterans and active-duty military personnel, for their sacrifice and bravery. Col. Donovan also spoke in length about what patriotism means to him, and how the voter turn-out on the recent presidential election was inspiring. He finished with a “God bless the people of Clovis New Mexico, and God bless America,” to rousing applause. Brooks presented Col. Donovan with a beautiful model airplane as a token of Lowe’s appreciation.
The JROTC also assisted Brooks in a presentation honoring POW and MIA. Brooks choked up when presenting a lone one-person table set up, which represents all the POW and MIA who cannot be with us today. This table is usually on display at Lowe’s to remind citizens of what these personnel gave to give us our freedom.
Brooks also was sure to highlight all the employees at Lowe’s and the organizations who came together to make the event happen. Afterwards, Lowe’s hosted a potluck put together by associates, for all the veterans and families who attended the ceremony.
This event obviously meant a lot to those involved, and despite the severe weather, almost every chair was filled. Veteran’s Day is Monday November 11, so make sure to thank those in your life that day- and every day.