Video: Tupelo Honors Veterans and Showcases New Exhibit at Veterans Park

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) -It was an opportunity to honor true American heroes at Tupelo’s Veterans Park. The annual Veterans Day ceremony included speeches by Lieutenant Colonel Gene Smith and Colonel Carlyle “Smitty” Harris.

Both men were shot down while flying missions over Vietnam in the F 105. Colonel Harris was held as a POW for nearly 8 years, while Lieutenant Colonel Smith was held captive for more than 5 years.

The pilots say it was an honor to serve and they are excited about the F 105 display at the park.

“They’re just memories of veterans, it’s not intended to be an Air Force thing, or an Army, or Navy thing, it just honors all veterans.”

“It gives you a very warm feeling of proud feeling that the people are still very supportive of the veterans who served this country , and there is still a lot to be done, freedom is not free.”

After the Veterans Park ceremony, a reception honoring both men was held at Park Heights Restaurant.