A distinguished group of veterans is in Mississippi to celebrate the annual Trail of Honor, a tribute to U.S military men and women.
Staff at the Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center are lining up for autographs. A panel of honored veterans are here to meet employees. Medal of Honor Recipient Army Sergeant Major Ronald Rosser came from Ohio. The 88-year old's service took him all over the world.
"I served in Germany, France, Portugal, Denmark, all the islands of the Pacific. I was a career soldier," said Rosser.
Ninety-two year old George Hardy of Pennsylvania, was an Air Force pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. He also flew in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
"Veterans give so much. A lot of them don't come back. People go overseas and so this country is alive today because the veterans who fought for this country to make sure it would be safe," said Hardy.
VA employee Dwight Bethany came to talk with the men.
"To me it shows a lot of respect that they're willing to give up their time, more of their time to come down here and share the knowledge that they have with us," said Bethany.
Monday is the last day of a weekend of events in Jackson to pay tribute to veterans, including the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall. Air Force Captain Bill Robinson of Tennessee, is the longest held enlisted POW. The 74-year old spent 7 1/2 years in captivity in Vietnam.
"I always looked at my stay as a three day stay. Yesterday I was shot down. Today's the day and tomorrow I'm going home. So I only had one day to work through to remain physically and mentally sound," said Robinson.
Fifteen veterans came to Mississippi to take part in the Trail of Honor.
