Students, Community Honor Veterans at 2025 Ceremony

US Marines Lt. Col. (Ret) Johnny Vincent Featured as Guest Speaker

Voice of Democracy speech winners (L-R) third place Preston Doyle, Edwin Vincent VFW Post 6937, first place Brayden Johnson, second place Cariann Williams.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Edmonson County High School hosted their annual Veterans Day Assembly on November 11, 2025 as students and community members gathered to honor their local veterans.

Each year, Brownsville VFW Post 6937 presents the Voice of Democracy contest, which allows junior and senior students to compete for not only the opportunity to present their speech at the program but also the chance to win big prize money. The winners are chosen by VFW members.

This year's first  place winner was Brayden Johnson ($500), second place was Cariann Williams ($300), and third place was Preston Doyle ($200). The subject matter was being patriotic in today's times, as each student speaker gave their own take on the topic.

Guest speaker US Marines Lt. Col. (Ret) Johnny Vincent.

Today's guest speaker was US Marines Lt. Col. (Ret) Johnny Vincent, an ECHS graduate, assistant football coach,  and local VFW member, who served over two decades in the Marine Corps.

Lt. Col. Vincent spoke about the ups and downs of growing up, dropping out of college, and being in a low spot in his life when he saw a TV commercial about the Marines. 

"They were speaking to me," he told the crowd. 

He then shared how the Marine Corps changed his life as he was set on a different course. He encouraged students in the stands to seek out opportunities for change when things are going bad. 

One of the instances he shared was something another veteran once told him, which was "why not you?" Vincent not only became a decorated veteran, but also a college graduate, and taught in Edmonson County Schools for a number of years. He now resides in Edmonson County.

A large crowd was in attendance at ECHS.

First place winner Brayden Johnson.

Second place winner Cariann Williams.

Third place winner Preston Doyle.

The ECHS FFA Chapter assisted in greeting of guests and seating of veterans at today's program. Ms. Addison Miller, FFA President, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The ECHS Band performed the National Anthem, God Bless America, and the Armed Forces on Parade, which highlighted each branch of the U.S. Military.

A trumpeter from the ECHS closed the ceremony with the playing of Taps.