Paris, Tenn.–Despite the chilly wind, a good-sized crowd gathered for the National Vietnam Veterans Day observation Friday in downtown Paris.
The event has grown from an informal gathering of local Vietnam War veterans over recent years. The event is organized by the Henry County Veterans Service Office and held by the Veterans’ Memorial on the courthouse lawn.
With an invocation given by Jack Tarkington, guest speaker was Ed Bevill of Henry County, who spoke about his lengthy service in the military, which included with the 101st Airborne, as company commander for his unit at Fort Campbell, an instructor at Fort Benning, as a professor of military science at UT Martin, inspector general for numerous battalions. He also came out of retirement to work with the State Department in Bosnia. He retired as a Colonel.
He is a 1962 graduate of Grove High School and was graduated from UTM’s first ROTC Class.
Bevill said he comes from a family of soldiers “but I didn’t even know that until a few years ago.” He strongly encouraged everyone to talk to their children and grandchildren about their family history. “Make sure they know who you are,” he said.
Bevill was introduced to the crowd by Veterans’ Services Officer Jon Bolding, who thanked “all those who served and those still missing in action and the Gold Star families for the sacrifices they have made.”
Photo: Veterans’ Services Officer Jon Bolding, right, introduces Ed Bevill to the crowd. (Shannon McFarlin photo).