Community honors, remembers veterans; Congressman Guthrie keynote speaker

Students, community members, and veterans assembled on Friday, November 11 - Veterans' Day - to remember and honor those who have served this nation in the United States military. The event kicked off at 9 a.m. at the Butler County High School gymnasium and it marked the return to the traditional format that had been put on hiatus since the Covid pandemic.

Butler County Schools Superintendent Robert Tuck welcomed those in attendance and spoke briefly about the importance of the event and the need to honor those who have served.

The BCHS NJROTC presented the colors, BCHS Beta Officer Aer Sells led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the BCHS Choir performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "My Old Kentucky Home."

Brian Jones, pastor of Aberdeen Baptist Church, gave the invocation.

The local VFW Post 5837, Butler County D.A.R., and the Green River Chapter D.A.R. each recognized their Veteran of the Year - Jim Parker, Roger Worley, and Rick Brown, respectively.

The VFW Auxiliary announced its winners for Writing and Art for Heroes contests, as well as Buddy Poppy winners. They are listed below.

Congressman Brett Guthrie, who represents Kentucky's 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, was the keynote speaker. Guthrie, a veteran himself, spoke about the importance of designating a day to honor veterans and how society should always take the time to do so. He touched on the history of Morgantown and Butler County and the veterans for which both were named - Richard Butler and Daniel Morgan - both who served in the American Revolution. Guthrie, whose uncle was killed in the Korean conflict, said all people should thank a veteran and "pay homage to those who served." "They are special and they deserve our thanks," said Guthrie.

Quilts were presented to veterans by members of the Butler County Piecemakers.

The BCHS Band played the songs for each branch of military service and veteran Doug Olde

Veteran Doug Odle read the names of veterans in attendance and "Taps" and a moment of silence was held for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Supt. Tuck offered closing remarks, thanked all those who helped organize the event, and expressed his appreciation to all veterans. Tuck praised Doug Odle for his decades-long role with the playing of "Taps" and the reading of veterans' names.