Speakers: In war or peace, vets answer noble call of citizenship, suffer same loss of home

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 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 Wednesday.

“There should be little distinction between those who served in war and peace,” he continued. “When you are away from home, missing family and friends, all those tears of loneliness are salty. We all cry the same.” he added.

“We recognize that service to our country and its causes are the pinnacles of true citizenship," said Samuel Swogger III, commander of the United Veterans Council of Greater Youngstown. "We continue our endeavors on behalf of world peace and with a profound gratitude to the men and women who serve a part of that noble cause."

Read more about the ceremony in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.