By Bradley Melchor, Staff
Every year on Nov.11, our country celebrates Veterans Day to honor the millions of Americans who have served in the United States armed forces. Veterans Day is a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude toward those who have sacrificed for the nation’s freedom. To commemorate this special day, two local veterans from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4008 were interviewed to share their experiences and reflect on the holiday.
Former U.S. Marine Commander Bobby Bishoff, a longtime advocate for veterans in the Bell County and Belton areas, spoke passionately about the meaning of Veterans Day. “It is a great day to celebrate all the veterans in Bell County and the Belton area,” Bishoff said. “We’re able to recognize all the living veterans, those who are still missing in action, and those who are still prisoners of war.” For Bishoff, the holiday is a time to honor the veterans who have served and continue to serve, as well as a reminder of the sacrifices made by all military personnel.
For Bishoff and the members of the VFW however, Veterans Day isn’t just a one-day event. The VFW has an entire week of activities planned, including events at senior centers, schools, and local clubs to celebrate veterans and educate the community’s youth. Bishoff himself will be attending the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s football game this Saturday, where he will help present the Conde Medal of Honor Scholarship to deserving ROTC students.
Kevin Davis, a former Navy officer who served from 1991 to 2011, shared his appreciation of the holiday and its importance in today’s society. Having been on active duty in the Persian Gulf during the terrorist attacks of September 11, Davis emphasized the deep bonds formed during service. “With so much division in this country right now, I think about and remember the guys I served with. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from, we were all brothers and sisters, and that was our community. And we’re gonna keep celebrating that community,” Davis said.
Both men emphasized the importance of their community, and the joy they get not just from celebrating their community, but continuing to serve their fellow veterans as best they can.
