FRANKLIN
Many community members came out to the Honor and Remembrance Memorial Service and Flag Pole Dedication that was held at Franklin Cooperative Ministries on Sept. 11. The Woodmen of the World gave Franklin Cooperative Ministries the flagpole.

The ceremony honored the heroes and victims of Sept. 11, 2001.

Wayne Anderson, FICP, LUTCF, Financial Representative of Woodmen Life and Camp Director of the Woodmen in Crewe, came down to Franklin for the event and spoke to all who were present.

“I thank God for Bill Witt (president of Franklin Chapter 18 Woodmen) and all he does for the Woodmen in Franklin,” Anderson said. “He is an honorable man and a great leader.”

Anderson went on to explain how Woodmen of the World started in 1819 as a non-profit organization, and it is now the largest fraternal benefit society that operates a large privately held insurance company for its members.

Through their 1,200 lodges, Woodmen of the World members conduct volunteer and fraternal activities that benefit individuals, families and communities.

Starting in 1947, Woodmen of the World has been promoting pride in the country through their Patriotic Program. The members have presented more than 2,000,000 American flags to schools, churches, parks and other non-profit organizations. Over 5,000 flagpoles have been presented through this program as well.

“Today we will give honor and remembrance to those who died and honor law enforcement, first responders, volunteers and all the rest of our American heroes,” Anderson said.

After accepting the flagpole dedication from Witt, Director Veronica Ferguson stated, “This is a blessing to me that everyone came.”

She then went on to explain that her uncle, who fought during D-Day, taught her to believe in and respect American heroes the way that she does.

During the raising and lowering of the flagpole Britt Cullpepper played “To the Color” and Blaine Britt played “Taps.”

Carroll Cannon, a veteran and late volunteer of Franklin Cooperative Ministries, was honored during this program by Ferguson for all the hard work he put into the organization. In his honor, a stone was placed in the flower bed beneath the flagpole.

Alongside of the stone in Cannon’s honor, was a stone presented by the Woodmen of the World to be placed beneath the flagpole. The inscription reads, “In Honor and Remembrance of the Heroes and Victims in the Fight Against Terrorism and to Celebrate the Enduring Spirit of All Americans.”

Captain Tim Whitt spoke on behalf of the Franklin Police Department.

“It means the world to Franklin Police Department that you all came out to this ceremony,” he said.

Bill Witt also gave a “Flag of Honor” to Franklin Cooperative Ministries.