News

Take time to honor veterans and those who gave all

By Bill Moss, Published: May 22, 2015

Frank Blazey, West Point graduate, retired Army brigadier general and leader of men in combat in two wars, urged 165 people gathered at a Salute to Veterans on Friday to remember the reason for the Memorial Day weekend.

“Take the time to thank the good souls who are a blessing to you and above all take time to honor those fellows who have given the last full measure of devotion for the freedom that we chose,” he said. “The definition of patriotism is love and loyalty for one’s country, especially when we’re involved with other countries.”
After graduating from the U.S. Military Academy in 1946, Lt. Blazey commanded an infantry regiment in the Korean War, winning a Silver Star for valor under fire. He commanded both a brigade and a division in the Vietnam War and returned to the country during the U.S. troop withdrawal. Since his retirement to Hendersonville, he has been an active leader with numerous nonprofits including the YMCA, ECO, the Social Services board of directors and Blue Ridge Community College, where he helped found the Lifelong Learning program.
Blazey also praised organizations that are often unsung in their support of veterans.
The VFW, the American Legion, Jeff Miller and HonorAir, and Henderson County Veterans Service Director Mike Murdock all deserve thanks for their service to veterans, he said. ROTC programs in schools are important.

“It’s important to know about the National Guard,” he added. “The National Guard is 54 separate organizations, militia units under the control of the states and the federal government. When did it start? 1636.” Seventeen-thousand guardsmen deployed to New Orleans to help save people and clean up after Hurricane Katrina.
Sponsored by the Henderson County Heritage Museum, the Veterans Services office and HonorAir, the “Salute to Our Veterans, Past and Present” also included a prayer by George A. Jones, an Army chaplain who served during World War II and the presentation and retiring of the colors by the Henderson County Honor Guard.