Sen. Shane Jett Serves In Honor Guard
Oklahoma Senator and Tecumseh native Shane Jett was the speaker during American Legion Post 260’s Memorial Day Ceremony on a blustery May 30.
It was held at the Tecumseh Cemetery where 1,200 small flags had been placed on veterans’ graves, and more than 50 larger flags were displayed throughout the cemetery.
Jett spoke about the United States model of government and how it was founded on asking permission to serve as a representative of the public.
“Our model of government is a standard for a beacon of hope for every totalitarian regime around the world’s citizens to see how things could be different, based on a bit of Biblical model of service,” he said.
Jett compared Jesus’s sacrifice to that given by service members.
“Our veterans didn’t know you, maybe didn’t know the people they were dying for, but they knew what they were dying for,” he said. “And it was worth fighting for home, for freedom, for loved ones, for this ideal that is America, that our leaders don’t lord it over us, with the service.”
“It is to that end, and that’s for that reason that we’re here to acknowledge those sacrifices in the past, those that are going on today for veterans around the world, and for future veterans.”
“We must live our life to the fullest, honoring that sacrifice, preserving that nation to which they gave their ultimate price,” he added. “So, it is again with great honor, that I join you today to recognize the fallen and to acknowledge those who loved and gave their life for the love that they have for this country …”
After his speech, Jett joined the American Legion Honor Guard and participated in the 21- gun salute. He joined Post 260 Commander Tom Snodgrass, Adjutant Bill Gammage, Sergeant at Arms Henry Watters, and Chaplain Stuart Rose.
Snodgrass said he brought an extra rifle for the occasion, so they would have five. He added that they only fire seven rifles, for an actual 21-gun salute, for the U.S. President, but they can have as few as three.
Jett’s daughters - Raquel, 17; Esther, 13; and Sarah, 7 - also participated in the ceremony by placing wreaths to honor the military branches and the first responders. VFW Auxiliary member Carolyn Rose and volunteer Misty Stone also placed wreaths, with the assistance of the chaplain in securing them against the wind.
Sergeant Rick Lam, Sr. played “Taps,” and Gammage also spoke to the approximately 15 people in the audience.
