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November 12, 2008

Locals honored on Veterans Day

By MATT THACKER The News and Tribune Wed Nov 12, 2008, 01:46 PM EST

Retired Chief Petty Officer William Goforth still keeps his shoes shined and his uniform pressed — the same uniform he began wearing in 1943.

“I still wear this uniform very proudly,” the 87-year-old retired Naval officer said, noting that it still fits him well.

Goforth was the guest speaker at the Clarksville Historical Society’s Veterans Day service in the Clarksville Town Hall on Tuesday.

He spoke about the history of the American flag and what it stands for.

“The character of the flag is taken from the people who serve under it,” he told the audience of more than 50 people, including about two dozen veterans.

Don McDonough, member of the Clarksville Historical Society and War Memorial Committee, said this was the eighth year for the event. The group also has a service each Memorial Day.

“I think as a veteran myself, they should be honored for their service to this country, and we should remember those who didn’t come home especially,” he said.

David Roberts, of Clarksville, said he came to watch his daughter who performed with the Clarksville High School choir. The event had special meaning to him because he is an Army veteran.

“We need to remember (veterans),” he said. “People tend to forget, and hopefully this will help them remember.”

Goforth said it is important to remember veterans because people are still dying every day in wars. He said wars will continue as long as people are on Earth.

“It is our duty, it is the duty of every generation to sacrifice when called upon,” he said in his speech.