Families who have made the ultimate sacrifice were honored during a recent Veteran's Day ceremony. MPB's Kobee Vance has more on a Mississippi gold star family.
The parents of Seargent Jason Rogers represent the many Gold Star Families from around the state who have lost a son or daughter in service to the Country. Seargent Rogers grew up in Brandon and joined the Marine Corps after September 11th. He was serving his 5th tour of duty when he was killed in Afghanistan in 2011, just two days before his 29th birthday. His mother, Jenny Smith, says her son was an avid basketball player and wanted to make a difference.
"It helps me to talk about him. It helps all the families to talk about their memories. It just keeps them alive, keeps their legacy going."
At the Veterans Day Ceremony, Smith helped lay the wreath honoring veterans. Governor-Elect Tate Reeves spoke at the event. He says Mississippi's recent election is an example of service and sacrifice.
"You know we had an election Tuesday in Mississippi that was able to be done in such a way because there are men and women who have come before us who have served all over the globe: defending our right to free elections. And we have men and women from Mississippi who are currently serving all over the globe that gives us that ability.
According to military officials,there are currently 12,500 soldiers and airmen serving in the Mississippi National Guard, and over the past year more than 5,000 have been deployed overseas.
