The Columbia High School baseball team honored veterans Thursday before its game against Franklin County during its annual military appreciation night, and several of those honored were touched by the recognition.
World War II Staff Sergeant Henry Howard Bennett was one of the roughly 50 veterans honored and threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Veterans in attendance were treated to a free meal from the concession stand and got to witness a 13-3 victory over the visiting Bulldogs and a postgame firework show.
Jack Brown, who served four years in the Navy and spent 13 months in Vietnam, said it’s special every year when the Wildcats honor the veterans.
“When we came home from Vietnam, we didn’t get any honor and got called all kinds of names. It’s quite an honor,” he said. “The school didn’t have to do this, and I definitely appreciate what they’ve done for us.”
Army Major Bill Harris, who is the commander of Post 90 of American Legion, said they appreciate being honored and echoed Brown’s sentiments of what veterans faced returning to America following the Vietnam War.
“We were not very well appreciated. As a matter of fact, we had to hide our hats, clothes and awards. You didn’t tell anybody you were a veteran because you would be mistreated. It’s a wonderful change in our country to recognize veterans.”
Harris added there are thousands of men and women who have served in the Middle East for the past 20 years that can come home and hold their heads high, wear military apparel and be appreciated.
“We couldn’t do that,” he said. “They accused us of being baby killers and all kinds of stuff because it was a very divisive political time.”
“It’s just good to know they remember,” Marine Dewey Blansett added.
Mark Retcho, a Marine veteran, said it would be even better if schools brought in veterans to speak with classes about their experiences.
“If we could talk to them in history class or something and have a little more interaction with the young people, I think it would be beneficial,” he said. “We’d love to interact more with the students and the young people. After all they may be in our spot one day.”
It was equally rewarding for the Wildcats players themselves. Senior Reagan Davis, who presented the American flag during the ceremony, said it’s really cool to be a part of and it’s his favorite game every year.
Pictured Above: World War II veteran Howard Bennett throws out the first pitch during Columbia High School’s military appreciation night March 21 as Brig. Gen. Billy Nabors, right, and other veterans look on. Some 50 veterans attended and were treated to a free meal from the concession stand and to a 13-3 Wildcat victory over Franklin County. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
