Annual Veterans Day gathering in Mahoning County Courthouse

YOUNGSTOWN

Veterans come from all walks of life, but what they have in common is that they answered their nation’s call to duty, a highly-decorated Vietnam War veteran told the annual Veterans Day gathering this morning in the Mahoning County Courthouse rotunda.

“Every time America called, veterans answered,” said Robert E. Bush Jr., a Marine helicopter gunner, who received two Purple Hearts and a Navy Commendation Medal for Valor in Combat.

“Some answered with glee. Others answered with gloom, but the need was met,” said Bush, who is now director of the county Department of Job and Family Services.

“All we want for this call to duty, this service, is a simple ‘Thank you for your service,’’’ Bush said.