A Grateful Nation: Community honors veterans

Wed, 11/13/2013 - 10:19am — Diane Dyer

The annual countywide veterans’ program was held on Monday, November 11th at the Butler County High School. Mr. Robert Tuck, principal of Butler County Middle School emceed the activities.

The colors were presented by the Butler County High School NJROTC under the leadership of Chief Jim Melton and Major Robert Redmond.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Buddy Poppy Good Citizens Sarah Grubb, Jared Hudnall, Kenzi Bryant, and Hope Phelps. Each student read their winning essay during the program.

The Star-Spangled Banner and My Old Kentucky Home were performed by the Butler County High School Choir under the direction of Mr. Travis Lowe.
Veteran Bro. Bill Cook gave the invocation.
Mrs. Gaddie’s preschool classes performed a patriotic medley on songs accompanied by Mrs. Mary Alice Black.

The following students were recognized for their art projects by Mrs. Jane Eaton-Henderson of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary #5837: Art for Heroes winners - first place Gunner Hodge; second place Hunter Jaggers; and third place Chani Schroeder. Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Don Jenkins presented each student with their award and a special gift.

Mrs. Jennifer Scott led the Butler County Middle School Choir in an American Sign Language interpretation of Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA, which was sung by Travis Lowe.
The keynote speaker was Mr. J.C. Newton. He served for 20 years in the Kentucky National Guard where he worked in public affairs and served as a journalist.

Newton started his comments by acknowledging the Veterans' Day is the most important holiday of the entire year.
“We are here today to say thank you, and stand up for those that stood for us. One percent of the population is watching our backs,” said Newton.
Newton had the crowd give the veterans in attendance a "One Salute," stressing that we are protected by one percent.
“Veterans understand John F. Kennedy’s quote: "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."
North Butler Elementary’s 5th grade Choir performed under the direction of Mrs. Sandra Crowder.

Doug Odle read the names of each veteran in attendance followed by the Butler County High School Band’s “Salute to America’s Finest," under the direction of Mr. Jason Ausbrooks.
Event organizer Linda Tyree put together the Veterans' Day program and was given a standing ovation for her efforts.

Veterans representing each branch of service participated in the POW/MIA ceremony were followed by a moment of silence.
BCHS student Matthew Embry played “Taps” prior to the retiring of the colors.
Veterans and their guest were invited to a reception sponsored by the BCHS FCCLA program following the program.