Posted 1:42 am Sunday, November 08, 2009
11th Annual Bullard Red, White And Blue Festival Honors Vets
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By KELLY GOOCH
Staff Writer
BULLARD -- Area residents gathered in downtown Bullard Saturday to honor veterans and have some fun at the 11th annual Red, White and Blue Festival.
Staff Writer
BULLARD -- Area residents gathered in downtown Bullard Saturday to honor veterans and have some fun at the 11th annual Red, White and Blue Festival.
As the event began, parade entries made their way down Main Street, throwing candy to children and waiving American flags along the way.
The entries represented many groups and organizations, including Welcome Home Soldiers volunteers, Chicken Express, Mount Nevelton Church, Bullard officials and the Bullard High School band.
"They certainly have had a good variety in the parade. It's good to see everyone out here," Jo Ann Holt said as she looked on.
Once the parade was over, attendees participated in a veterans' ceremony in front of Bullard City Hall.
Leighann Langston, 7, bungie jumps at the 11th annual Bullard Red, White and Blue Festival on Saturday morning.
The ceremony's opening prayer was given by the Rev. Denzil Dodd, who asked God to comfort the family members of those who lost their lives Thursday at Fort Hood.
Saturday's keynote speaker was Joan Hallmark, known for the "Freedom Fighters" television series in which she profiles military men and women.
Ms. Hallmark told the crowd that Veterans Day was established after World War I to honor those who fought in "The Great War," but later expanded to encompass all wars.
Bud Page, Tyler, polishes the chrome on the engine of his 1964 Corvair Spyder turbo convertible.
She talked about people she's interviewed, such as a veteran who was aboard a ship when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, a prisoner in the Vietnam War who received a Bronze Star and a man who lost both of his legs in the war on terror.
The Bullard High School band then performed the "Armed Forces Medley" as veterans stood during their branch's song.
State Representatives Leo Berman and Chuck Hopson also spoke at the ceremony.
Rep. Berman, R-Tyler, commended Bullard's patriotism and said America needs to continue producing veterans who love this nation.
"Remember, it is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion ΓΆΒ?Β» It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech ΓΆΒ?Β» It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial," he said. " ΓΆΒ?Β» It is important and proper that we continue this celebration every year."
Rep. Hopson, R-Jacksonville, said seeing all the American flags at the festival "does my heart good."
"We have freedoms in this country that we take for granted. We got those freedoms because the veterans were able to stand up for this country," he said.
He also asked attendees to include Fort Hood victims in their prayers.
Toward the end of the ceremony, the top three winners of the "Miss Armed Forces" contest were recognized.
Each of the contestants had to do 10 hours of community service and submit an essay to honor veterans.
"Miss Armed Forces," Breanna Hinton, will receive a $500 scholarship while the other two winners, Marissa Hicks and Susan Lowrie, will each receive a $250 scholarship.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a petting zoo, bungee jump, car show, carnival rides, food and arts and crafts vendors, among other attractions.
Event organizer Brandi Abercrombie said there were several new exhibitors this year, and organizers have tried to bring resources in that would be beneficial to veterans.
"It was very well-organized and very easy to participate in," Mistie Campbell, president of the Bullard Kiwanis Club, said as she sold raffle tickets for a quilt. "I wanted to get to know the community and wanted to meet people and help raise money with Kiwanis."
Vietnam veteran Frank Tucker said he enjoyed being around people with a lot of patriotism who stand behind soldiers.
Veterans Day and the festival also make him proud to serve America and to honor veterans who served, but didn't come home, he said.
"Honoring veterans on Veterans Day is the most important thing on Earth to me," Tucker said. "This is my first time here, and what I've seen is great. I'd like to go to another one."
The Red, White and Blue Festival was expected to draw about 4,000 to 5,000 people.
