Clarendon honors all veterans

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MANNING - Soggy skies and heavy rain did not deter veterans from honoring their own during a Laying of the Wreath Ceremony on Wednesday at the Veterans Monument on the grounds of the Clarendon County Courthouse.

Representing various branches of the military, members of American Legion Post 68 Manning and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 960 Manning braved the elements to show their support for all veterans, past and present.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the typical ceremony that included speeches and special musical selections gave way to a more somber and brief ceremony.

In remembrance of Veterans Day, the veterans turned to a quote from the late President Ronald Reagan before he became president. It was part of a speech Reagan delivered in October 1964 which became known as "A Time of Choosing."

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction," Reagan said. "We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. Freedom must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same."