Pulaski and Giles County Celebrate Veterans Day: On Nov. 11, folks in Pulaski and Giles County honor veterans with a day packed with activities. The Second Annual Veterans Day Parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. at the Village Square Shopping Center. Local veterans, citizens, and businesses are encouraged to join in, showing their respect for these heroes. For more details, contact Giles County Veterans Service Officer Barry Alsup at 363-2563.
Following the parade, the Annual Veterans Day Ceremony takes place on the Courthouse Square at 11 a.m. The community gathers at the Courthouse Gazebo to hear from County Executive Graham Stowe, a retired Captain from the United States Coast Guard. Elected Giles County Executive in 2022, Stowe’s extensive Coast Guard career contributes to the rich fabric of the event. A proud moment for the community, Giles County Veterans Service Officer Barry Alsup expresses joy in having Capt. Stowe as a featured speaker.
Stowe’s Coast Guard journey began in 1987 when he graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. His service included roles such as Deck Watch Officer and Combat Information Center Officer on USCGC HARRIET LANE (WMEC 903), conducting drug and migrant interdiction in the Caribbean. Over the years, Stowe served in various capacities, showcasing his dedication to missions around Search and Rescue, enforcement of the Exclusive Economic Zone, and relief efforts in the Pacific Islands.
After a Master’s degree from the University of Illinois in Civil Engineering, Stowe continued to lead in roles like Executive Officer in USCGC ASSATEAGUE (WPB 1337) and later took command of USCGC NAUSHON (WPB 1311) in Ketchikan, Alaska. His significant contributions also include serving as Military Aide to President Bill Clinton, leading the Coast Guards Command and Operations School, and commanding the Industrial and Logistics Center in southeast Alaska, USGC Base Ketchikan.
READ MORE: Veterans Day Celebration Set at USS Alabama: Battleship Memorial Park
Stowe’s remarkable career earned him honors like the Defense Superior Service Medal and four Meritorious Service Medals, among others. His story adds a unique and esteemed perspective to the Veterans Day program.
Post-ceremony, American Legion Post 60 at 425 Legion Drive, Pulaski, hosts a lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., welcoming all veterans and their families.
Veterans Day is more than free meals and tributes; it’s an opportunity to connect with veterans, hear their stories, and truly appreciate the sacrifices they made for our freedoms. This Veterans Day, take a moment to ask a veteran about their servicewhen, where, and why they served. By listening to their experiences, you’ll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the contributions of our veterans.