Veterans Honored at Crystal Bridges Opening
By: Cassidy Hodges
Updated: December 8, 2011
In Bentonville, the talk of the town is art, but the directors of Crystal Bridges start the opening ceremony by honoring our veterans.
"I think it's a fitting tribute that on a day when we open a major art museum that we recognize the men and women who have created the climate and the opportunity for us to do what we do as Americans," says Congressman Steve Womack.
For vets, their time overseas doesn't seem that long ago.
"I remember rolling across the Atlantic in a troop ship and coming home in a troop ship," says Martin Wade, a WWII veteran.
And dedicating your life to our country, has always been a brave act.
"It takes a special person to volunteer themselves to risk their entire life in the cause of freedom and for 235 years our nation has been about freedom," says Womack.
It's a sacrifice that continues.
"They have and still are serving our country and helping preserve our freedom and they're to be commended especially those who were in Vietnam didn't get the recognition they should have coming home," says Charles Walker an Army Vietnam Veteran.
And Brigadier General H.D. McCarty says that's the hardest feeling for a soldier.
"The worst wound of all is to be forgotten and not remembered by those for whom you sacrificed," says McCarty.
But today is all about honoring service men and women's sacrifice.
"We appreciate seeing all the things that honor the veterans," says Wade.
And Congressman Steve Womack says the entrepreneurial spirit America does have, was built on the men and women in the military.
"The men and women who are willing to stand in harms way for all of us are the reasons we are able to enjoy moments like today," says Womack.
"I think it's a fitting tribute that on a day when we open a major art museum that we recognize the men and women who have created the climate and the opportunity for us to do what we do as Americans," says Congressman Steve Womack.
For vets, their time overseas doesn't seem that long ago.
"I remember rolling across the Atlantic in a troop ship and coming home in a troop ship," says Martin Wade, a WWII veteran.
And dedicating your life to our country, has always been a brave act.
"It takes a special person to volunteer themselves to risk their entire life in the cause of freedom and for 235 years our nation has been about freedom," says Womack.
It's a sacrifice that continues.
"They have and still are serving our country and helping preserve our freedom and they're to be commended especially those who were in Vietnam didn't get the recognition they should have coming home," says Charles Walker an Army Vietnam Veteran.
And Brigadier General H.D. McCarty says that's the hardest feeling for a soldier.
"The worst wound of all is to be forgotten and not remembered by those for whom you sacrificed," says McCarty.
But today is all about honoring service men and women's sacrifice.
"We appreciate seeing all the things that honor the veterans," says Wade.
And Congressman Steve Womack says the entrepreneurial spirit America does have, was built on the men and women in the military.
"The men and women who are willing to stand in harms way for all of us are the reasons we are able to enjoy moments like today," says Womack.
