South Middle School held its 46th Veterans Day service Wednesday, when Brigadier Gen. (Ret.) Steve Bullard spoke about remembering the importance of veterans in our lives.
Bullard said that veterans served in such a way that there was an assumption of risk in the work they did, something that “sets the veteran apart from society.”
And it’s an experience that most who didn’t serve can’t fully grasp.
“To be a veteran is to wear a badge of honor,” Bullard said.
Veterans Day is meant to acknowledge respect, and it reminds Americans that veterans—and their families—are important.
Bullard also spoke about wars and that veterans know best that wars are best avoided. He also mentioned unpopular wars. But despite all that, “Americans always rise to the challenge and say ‘Send me.’”
And in the world, the U.S. and its military have provided aid to people worldwide more than any other civilization in history, Bullard said.
Bullard began his talk with a list of historical facts with highlights on Kentucky.
“History tells us who we are and what we’re made of,” he said.
The program began with the Parade of Heroes, a procession of local veterans under a saber arch by the Henderson County High School JROTC program. There was also the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner” by the south Middle School band and singing of “My Old Kentucky Home” by the South Middle School choir.
SMS Principal Stacey Fish spoke briefly about the 46 years of the “meaningful tradition” at South and reminded attendees that behind each veteran is “a person, a family, a story and a sacrifice.”
Henderson Mayor Brad Staton said one of the best ways to honor veterans is to listen to their stories, and another is to be the best version of ourselves to make the community better and so “they know their sacrifice is not in vain.”
Henderson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Bob Lawson commended the tradition at South and those who put it on this year and so many years before, saying it’s “not the work of one year, but work over decades.”
Lawson also said there are only so many times people can be in the presence of human greatness, and Wednesday’s ceremony was one.
“Today you’re giving us the opportunity to honor you,” Lawson told the veterans on hand.
The ceremony also included the Missing Man roll call and a 21-gun salute by the American Legion Honor Guard.
Bullard’s resume is impressive, having served 33 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard. In that time, he participated in numerous operations, including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and others. His leadership assignments included serving in as chief of staff for the Kentucky Air National Guard and deputy director of the Joint Staff for the Kentucky National Guard.
Currently, Bullard is the executive director of the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs and is the commissioner of the Kentucky State Council on the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission. He ended his speech offering thanks of his own.
“Thanks to those who served and those who will serve in the future,” Bullard said.
