In the Friday, Nov. 7, edition of the Butler Eagle, we learned about this year’s Butler County Veteran of the Year, James McMullen.

McMullen served from 1964 to 1968 as an aircraft electrical system technician with the United States Marine Corps.

He was assigned to Marine Helicopter Squadron One in Quantico, Va., which was tasked with providing the helicopters, including Marine One, for transporting the president and other world leaders.

Since his honorable discharge, McMullen has been active in the veterans’ community, including volunteering at the Butler VA and teaching children about flag history and etiquette.

Like many veterans, McMullen was circumspect about his service and credited the support of others.

“I’ve attended quite a few of these events. The one thing I notice is that up here, the person receiving the award always had a person in the background, someone close to them, who helped them attain that award,” McMullen said. “I’ve found that I’m no different in that.”

Veterans Day, which is Tuesday, is a chance to honor those who served in the armed forces, remembering their service and the sacrifices they made to protect our nation.

At the event honoring McMullen on Thursday, speakers reflected on what veterans’ service means.

“I don’t think there’s any more of a heroic volunteer than those who sign up for our armed services,” Ed Natali, a Butler Township commissioner, said. “What I see when I look at this crowd and our wonderful veteran of the year, is that once you put that uniform on, it never comes off. You can see that in everyone here today.”

Thank you to all who have served and those who continue to serve.

— JK