Copyright Arkansas Online
BENTONVILLE --Bella Vista Mayor John Flynn told veterans Tuesday their service has written the story of America's strength and their legacy continues every single day. Flynn was one of the speakers during Tuesday's Veterans Day program at the Wall of Honor in Bella Vista. The program was sponsored by the Veterans Council of Northwest Arkansas. "Every veteran carries a story of bravery and commitment from the revolutionary War to World War II to our modern day conflicts," Flynn said. He said each generation of veterans has answered the call when duty arose, protecting the county's borders and shared values. "Here in Bella Vista and the surrounding communities, we are proud to be home to many veterans who continue to serve as teachers; first responders, both fire and police; business owners; and volunteers," Flynn said. "I know in Bella Vista many of our firemen and police officers are veterans, so their dedication to our region reminds us that service doesn't end when the uniform comes off." Flynn added people should pause to remember those who never returned home and said their sacrifices are a solemn reminder of the cost of liberty paid by them and their families. "Today is not just about another date on the calendar," Bentonville Mayor Stephanie Orman said during the event. "It is a living reminder that freedom is not abstract. It is personal. It is the faces we know, the neighbors we greet, and the generations who followed those who first wore the uniform." She said veterans did not serve for recognition or reward, but served because duty required it and because they believed in something larger than themselves. "That same spirit should guide how we lead in our cities, in our schools and in our homes," Orman said. "Leadership is not measured by authority; it's measured by sacrifice. It is the willingness to give more than you take, to listen before you speak and to build trust by keeping your word." John Zych of Massachusetts attended the program. His grandson was one of the children singing in a choir during the event. Zych said his father served in World War II and his grandfather served in World War I. Zych was in college during the Vietnam War and knew friends who served in the military, he added. The country and its people owe veterans for their services and sacrifices, he said. Mike Davis, a retired commander in the U.S. Navy, said it's important to recognize and honor veterans. The sacrifices of veterans have ensured the country's freedom, he said. Diana Langford, the commission for the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, said a 1oo-bed veterans home is in the works for Benton County, adding it will be a state of the art home for veterans. The groundbreaking should take place in the first quarter of next year, she added.
