Veterans honored in Bolivar with special ceremony

BOLIVAR, Tenn. — Wednesday morning was full of celebration, thankfulness and remembrance in the city of Bolivar.

The Hardeman County Veterans Committee hosts a veterans program every year. This year, they were not able to have it at the normal time, which is around Veteran’s Day, so it was rescheduled for Wednesday morning. Vicki Ward Ridenhour told us a little bit about the event, and how she became involved.

“We’re honoring our veterans. We do this each year. My mother, Francis Ward, and her committee, they started this several years ago. This is our 12th annual [program],” said Ridenhour.

Ridenhour’s father was also a veteran. His name was Sergeant William ‘Rick’ Ward.

Another speaker at the event, Frank Hazelwood, served in World War II. There were also quite a few elected officials in attendance as well.

“It means a lot, because we appreciate their support. We have a lot of support in the community as well. Also volunteers and sponsors — we appreciate that — because if it wasn’t for that them we could not have this program,” said Ridenhour.

This is the veterans committee’s main event that they do each year. Next year, they plan on having the program closer to Veteran’s Day. Ridenhour also said that anyone is welcome to attend the event.

State Representative Johnny Shaw, Bolivar Mayor Julian McTizic, Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse and Whiteville Mayor Gene Bowden were all in attendance to show their support.

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