Precinct 2 Wood County Constable Kelly Smith, commandant of the Wood County Marine Corps League detachment, expressed that to support veterans, “sometimes all you have to do is just show up.”

He spoke Saturday at the ceremony following the Mineola veterans parade.

On Veterans Day, “We celebrate those that come home to us after their selfless commitment of service to their community. Many of them come home and continue to serve. They plugged back into their community and became public servants, first responders, business men or women, business owners, mommas, daddies and grandparents,” recited Smith.

He referenced several battles fought by American armed forces: the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, Guadalcanal and the Battle of the Bulge in World War Two and the global war on terror.

Smith watched as his family walked into the battle arena of the courtroom where they, “looked over their shoulder...and all they could see was a group of veterans from all branches propping them up.”

Smith was acquitted of federal criminal charges earlier this year for violating the civil rights of a suspect arrested in a Hawkins home in 2022.

He analogized his legal battle to a military one, the emotional support received to support in the field.

“Time after time, these veterans stood up against attacks, called in for support and showed up,” which was met with applause. As Smith spoke, four of his fellow Marine Corps League members flanked him on either side of the podium and laid hands in a show of solidarity.

Smith expressed his gratitude, saying, “I will be forever in their debt...to each of you who prayed, called and showed up.”