July 10, 2017

Dear Friend,

We are privileged to live in a country where we are free to express our thoughts and practice our religious beliefs without fear of persecution. Our forefathers took a leap of faith when they signed the Declaration of Independence. They knew freedom would come with a price, but they were determined for America to become a sovereign nation. Their hard-fought efforts are celebrated every year in the First District, across Mississippi and throughout our great nation.

Independence Day in the First District from top
left: Tupelo, Jacinto Courthouse, and Eupora

Thousands of Mississippians in the First District waved the American flag and gathered to celebrate living in the greatest nation on Earth. In times of war and peace, Americans have demonstrated their patriotic spirit. No matter what challenges face our country, we will always stand united. We love our nation and are willing to fight to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. God Bless America.

honoring a Southaven Vietnam war veteran

Hal Guthrie, a Vietnam War veteran and Southaven resident, left Charleston, West Virginia to attend Memphis State on a football scholarship in 1966. It was during that time that he was drafted. Mr. Guthrie answered the call to defend our nation and proudly distinguished himself in combat. He was shot twice during fierce fighting in the jungles of Vietnam. When he returned from war, he did not try to get the medals he earned and deserved.

Recently, Mr. Guthrie decided he wanted his medals to pass on to his children. William Brooks, our First District veterans outreach coordinator, assisted him. Last week, it was an honor to present Mr. Guthrie with his medals in Southaven. Family, friends, city and county officials gathered in his honor.

WWII veteran albert cummings

We recently told you about Albert Cummings, a World War II veteran. Mr. Cummings was 18 when he entered military service. Mr. Cummings was among the many brave soldiers who fought in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy. He was wounded by a German soldier. After a long stay in multiple hospitals, Mr. Cummings recovered and came back home to his family. Last week, he was honored for his service by fellow members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4272 in Columbus.

From top left: Albert Cummings, VFW Post
4272 Commander Dennis Jewell, State
Senior Vice Commander Doug Lee,
Tim Cummings, Cheryl, and Meredith Barnhill

We were honored to fly a flag in his honor over the U.S. Capitol and to enter details of Mr. Cummings' military service into the Congressional Record. Click here to read more about this brave American who has demonstrated a strong devotion to our nation and to those around him.

Mississippi's 200th birthday celebrated in west point

Our state reaches a major milestone on December 10 - its 200th birthday. Celebrations will continue to take place throughout the year. Over the weekend, West Point residents celebrated Mississippi's bicentennial at an event called the "Bike - Centennial".

Visitors were able to learn more about the history of Mississippi and West Point at displays in downtown. They were encouraged to ride their bikes along the way. Lisa Klutts, Growth Alliance director and event coordinator, said it is important for everyone to know about the history and culture of our state. Free homemade ice cream is always a great motivator!

a week in pictures

COL USMCR Ret. John
Caldwell and DeSoto County
Supervisor Lee Caldwell

Horn Lake High School MCJROTC cadets Carlos
Alvarado and Nicholaus Holtzclaw

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Thanks for reading,

Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress