CLINTON — Large numbers of residents now fully vaccinated and easing of COVID-19 restrictions made it possible for Clinton’s annual Memorial Day observance to go forward on Monday.

Clinton High School class of 2022 student Carter Hitchings introduced this year’s speaker.

A native of Tuscola, Scott Swinson is a U.S Army veteran.  Swinson served as an Army MP and later as an Army K-9 unit officer.  He is currently VFW Post 4168 commander.

Swinson spoke Monday about what the military taught him.

“As the son of a veteran and the proud father of two veterans; thank you for bringing your children and sharing this occasion with them,” Swinson said.  “They are the custodians of our future, and it’s important that they understand the sacrifices these people have made.”

Swinson said veterans often talk about their shared military experiences and about people they knew and places they saw. 

“I could tell you stories from an old MP that would make you laugh and some that would make you cry,” he said. 

But, instead, he said he wanted to talk about the lessons, “that military service taught us that we use in our everyday lives.”

“They’re lessons that made us who we are now.”

He said the first lesson was discipline,” and not just following orders.”

Swinson talked about training by instruction and practice, following rules and developing self-control. 

“Training that molds and perfects mental faculties and moral character,” he said.  “As the oldest member of my basic training company, I was already married with a child and been a successful restaurant manager.”

• See the complete story in the Friday, June 4, print edition of the Clinton Journal or now in the Journal E-Edition for subscribers.