Veterans from all branches of service and conflicts were honored for their service Friday morning at the Veteran’s Day Program at Veterans Park of Effingham County in Springfield.

Dozens of servicemen and women from each branch of the military were honored at the program, which was also attended by many Effingham County residents who were there to pay their respects.

Tommy Allen, filling in for Danny L. Burgstiner, served as the Master of Ceremonies.

Following a welcome by Allen, the Rev. Mike Spivey of First Baptist Church in Springfield gave the invocation.

Members of the Effingham County High School JROTC presented the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by members of Boy Scout Troop 295 out of Guyton.

Performing both “God Bless America” and the National Anthem was the Rev. Ralph Long of Rincon United Methodist Church.

Sergeant Major Roy L. “Tony” Sutphin (retired from the United States Marine Corps) was the speaker for the program and delivered a rousing, heartfelt speech on the reason why Veteran’s Day is so special and why veterans are special.

Sutphin served in Vietnam and held many posts after he returned home from combat. Sutphin served as a Recruiter, Drill Instructor at Parris Island, SC, Tactics Instructor and as an NROTC, Asst. Marine Officer Instructor at Savannah State College and Armstrong State.

Sutphin is now the Chaplain for the West Chatham Marine Corps League.