Staff photo by Michael Thomason

Longtime veteran and Monroe County Chief Deputy Brian Graves was the main speaker at the annual Veterans Day ceremony held at the Monroe County Courthouse Friday. 

Graves spoke on serving one's country and the sacrifices soldiers make to ensure the safety of all Americans. 

The event was attended by hundreds, as students from both Madisonville Primary and Madisonville Middle schools came to the ceremony. 

The Gold Star mothers remembered their fallen sons and all soldiers, past and present, were honored with a 21-gun salute by the American VFW. 

Also pictured, from left: State Rep. Jimmy Matlock and Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Lowell Russell look on. 

Numerous veterans events continued this past weekend and today at some area schools.