On a crisp Tuesday morning, thecrowdgatheredatthe MarshallCountyCourthouse lawn to honor America’s veterans in a heartfelt Veterans Day ceremony. Among those inattendancewasOklahoma gubernatorial candidate Charles McCall, who paid tribute to the state’s servicemen andwomenwhileoutlining his plans to further support them if elected governor.
“Today in Madill, we honored the courage and sacrifice of Oklahoma’s veterans, and I laid out what we’re going to do to serve our state's heroes,” McCall said during his address. “We owe our veterans more than thanks. We owe them action. And I won’t stop fighting until Oklahoma becomes the best state in the nation for those who’ve worn the uniform.”
McCall, a native of Atoka and a fifth-generation Oklahoman, currently serves as the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. First elected to the legislature in 2012, he has represented his district with a focus on economic development, education and rural healthcare.
Under his leadership, the state eliminated the income tax on military pensions and invested in modernized veterans’ care facilities. McCall outlined his drive for helping the veterans.
“As Governor, every veteran in Oklahoma will have access to the support they need to thrive,” McCall continued. “That includes strengthening our state veterans' centers, expanding care for invisible wounds like PTSD, and supporting the families who stand behind every soldier.”
The Veterans Day program, hosted by the American Legion Post 99, featured patriotic music, the presentation of colors by the Madill High School JROTC and a moment of silence for fallen heroes. McCall joined local veterans in laying a wreath at the courthouse memorial, honoringthememoryofthose who gave their lives in service to the nation.
McCall said even though they have made some headway, the fight to help veterans isn’t over.
“We eliminated the state income tax on military pensions, ensured proper military burials for every veteran, and invested in modern veteran care facilities,” McCall said. “Our mission isn’t over.”
Residents who attended said they appreciated Mc-Call’s presence and his focus on veterans’ issues, noting that his remarks carried both gratitude and resolve. As Oklahoma prepares for next year’s gubernatorial race, McCall’sstopinMadillserved as both a salute to veterans and a promise of continued advocacy for those who have served.