With a polished memorial stone honoring Choctaw County's fallen heroes from the past in the foreground, some citizens of Choctaw County rallied in support of the American Armed Forces on April 12.

The American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars' members joined together to organize the rally and provide American flags to the attendees.

The program included several speakers and many entertainment moments.

Steve Yarber, pastor of Chester Baptist Church, spoke to the crowd about the price of freedom and why Americans were willing to pay that price even for those in other countries.

"Gone are the days of looking the other way," said Yarber.

Brother Jerry Wise whose son is serving in Iraq thanked everyone for their patriotism and explained to the crowd why he believed America was such a great nation.

The patriotic entertainment consisted of several Choctaw County natives performing patriotic music.

Teresa Shumaker recited a soldier's letter home and a letter to the soldier from his son.

Sam Griffin sang Alan Jackson's hit "Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning."

Cassidy Simpson sang "God Bless America".

The Ackerman Band, led by Kenneth Perry, presented several numbers including the fight songs for each branch of the military in which all former service members were recognized by their branch of service.

Harold Stephenson, commander of the American Legion, thanked everyone for attending and complimented everyone who helped organize the rally.

Charles Peay, commander of the V. F. W., said the turnout was very good considering the many competing events which were slated for the same day.