Beech Tree News Network

The annual community Veterans' Day program - "Butler County Salutes Our Veterans" -  was held Monday, November 12, at the Butler County High School gymnasium.  The event was attended by local veterans and their families, many community members, and students from local schools.

Superintendent Scott Howard welcomed those in attendance and made a few opening remarks.  Howard said that while some schools don't have programs like this to honor veterans, he was "proud of what we're able to do in Butler County to recognize veterans." 

Howard described the day as "special" for him, a day that he remembers his dad, who was in the U.S Army during Vietnam. 

"I'm more proud every year for what he did," said Howard.  "We should honor veterans every day."

The keynote speaker was Kevin Estes.  Estes, a Cave City native, joined the U.S. Marine Corps just prior to the attacks of September 11, 2001.  He was trained as an infantry machine gunner and attached to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division.  His unit was the first to across the border from Kuwait to Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Estes spoke briefly of his time in the U.S. Marine Corps, his experiences in Kuwait and Iraq.  He recounted friends who served and were killed in action in Iraq.  Prior to his second deployment, he was injured and sent to Germany for brain surgery.  He was eventually medically (honorably) discharged.

Estes identified several freedoms for which everyone should be thankful to veterans - education, travel, speech, self-expression, innocent until proven guilty, right to own property, religion, etc.  He noted that in many parts of the world, people do not enjoy these rights.

Estes finished his remarks with gratitude.

"Thanks to all who have served," said Estes. 

The Parading of Colors was conducted by the BCHS NJROTC, under the leadership of Chief Jim Melton and Major Robert Redmond.

Hunter Mason, a student at Oak Ridge Christian Academy, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Shera Lindsey sang "The Star-Spangled Banner."

The BCHS Chamber Choir, under the direction Mr. Travis Lowe, performed the "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Daniel Hickman, a student at Belmont Christian Academy, gave the invocation.

"You're a Grand Ole Flag," was performed by Butler County preschoolers and was directed by Ginny Lockhart, Tina Porter, and Denise Ballinger. 

Six students were named Buddy Poppy Good Citizens:  Chance Flener, Lily Glass, Bailee Proctor, Delaney Newcom, Jett Johnson, and Elijah Ferrell. 

Art for Heroes winners were Jenna Tomes-first place; Jay Peralta-second place; Kohen Scott-third place; and Drake Bratcher, Stormy Whitehead, Kyra Webster, and Thomas Embry-honorable mention. 

Winners for the Patriotic Art for high school students were Triston Phelps-first place; Autumn Proctor-second place; Ashley Childress-third place; Mackenzie Raymer-honorable mention.

Student winners were recognized by Sherry Webster, VFW Post 5837 Auxiliary.

Several "Veterans of the Year" were recognized by local organizations:

-Charles Hatcher, VFW Post 5837

-Kenneth Searles, American Legion Post 0151

(Both were introduced by Jennifer Odle, VFW Post 5837 Auxiliary.)

-Tommy Wood, Butler County DAR (introduced by Regent Jane Smith)

-Lee and Christine Clark family, Green River DAR (introduced by Regent Melanie Hunt)

Jennifer Odle, with the Butler County Piecemakers, presented several veterans with "Quilts of Valor."  (click on the following link to learn more about Quilts of Valor -  https://www.qovf.org/#

The BCHS Band, under the direction of Jason Ausbrooks, played a "Salute to America's Finest," which was a compilation of service songs from each branch of the U.S Military. 

Doug Odle read the names of all veterans in attendance and a moment of silence was held for those veterans who have died.  Bryant McClellan played "Taps" as a tribute. The colors were retired by the BCHS NJROTC.

Supt. Howard concluded the program by commenting on the idea of freedom. 

"Freedom is not to do what we please but to do what is right," said Howard. 

Veterans and guests were honored with a reception at the BCHS Library.

Mrs. Linda Tyree organized the event.