Photo by Mike Brothers
Veterans Honored on November 11 included keynote speaker retired Marine Major Lynn Lowder. Lowder was presented a personalized Marine Corp emblem from students as a token of their appreciation for his service. Pictured to the right of Major Lowder is Career English senior Trey Garriott while veterans look on during the Sullivan High School ceremony.

•November 16, 2016•

Sullivan schools participated in Veterans Day observations Friday, Nov. 11 with the American Legion Post 68 Honor Guard presenting the colors followed by recognition of veterans during programs at each school.

Sullivan High School’s Career English class hosted recognition of local veterans through song, dance and the reflections of veterans before students who were gathered in the gymnasium.

Keynote speaker 1964 Sullivan High School graduate attorney and retired Marine Major Lynn Lowder is a decorated Vietnam platoon leader, who continues to advocate for veterans through his non-profit 1 Vet at a Time organization.

As a volunteer Lowder left college and went to Vietnam as a second lieutenant Marine specialist in the First Force Reconnaissance Company in 1967. Dropped into the enemy infested jungles of Vietnam by ropes from helicopters, the  FFRC encountered some of the brutalist fighting of the war.

Lowder earned the Silver Star for valor, Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal and a Purple Heart, and his message to the high school school audience centered on the price of freedom.

“Veterans took the time out of life to serve at considerable risk to protect our freedom,” Lowder began, explaining not only the veteran but his family was included in the sacrifice. “We owe them our gratitude everyday for letting us live in a country that is free.”     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.