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Ben Johnson’s voice broke with emotion as he read the poem “Old Glory” by the Lincoln County Military Memorial Monday morning.

Johnson is Post Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2618.

It was fitting for a ceremony honoring the memory and service of individuals in the U.S. Armed Forces who died in service to their country.

The 10 a.m. program began with Johnson’s welcome and remarks, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance before a flag at half mast.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann addressed the crowd of veterans, politicians and other citizens. He focused on work the State had accomplished and was working to accomplish on behalf of the military.

A formal announcement will be made in the coming weeks, Hosemann said, about a new Air Force cybersecurity center to be built and operated in Mississippi — the only one of its kind — for active military and students at Mississippi State University.

“I’m really proud of the amount of support we are providing for the military,” he said. “I appreciate every one of you, and Mississippi will continue to appreciate every one of you.”

Following a reading of the names of every fallen service member listed on the memorial, VFW members placed a wreath in front of the memorial and a military butler played “TAPS.”

The program concluded with a prayer, and a reception at the Military Museum.

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