Raymond Bledsoe, Kosciusko Government Honored On Veterans Day
From left, James W. Sittler Post 1126 Commander Bob Dockery, American Legion Post 49 Commander John Mort, Kosciusko County Commissioner Bob Conley, Order of Kosciuszko award recipient Raymond Bledsoe and McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels President John Sadler. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels
By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — VFW Post 1126 and American Legion Post 49 hosted the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Center Lake Pavilion Wednesday, Nov. 11.
The event began at 10:55 a.m. with the Tolling of the Bells.
Jim Patterson performed “Taps.”
John Sadler, president of McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, presented the “Order of Kosciuszko” award to Raymond Bledsoe of Claypool, who enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. in June of 1966.
This award is given for exceptional service to God, country and others.
“He did enlist — he was not drafted,” Sadler said.
Bledsoe received numerous awards during his time in the military. Sadler read a list of Bledsoe’s contributions to our community. Bledsoe is a Vietnam veteran, a Legionnaire for 17 years and a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 49 for nine years where he has held positions such as post commander from 2013-2017, finance officer and trustee.
He is a past member of the American Legion Riders Post 258, a lifetime member of the VFW Rider Post 1126, a longtime member of ABATE of Indiana Region 1 and a member of the Indiana Patriot Guard.
The 2020 Meritorious Service award was presented to the Kosciusko County Government for their honoring and support of veterans. Kosciusko County Commissioners Bob Conley and Cary Groninger accepted the award on behalf of county government.
This award is presented to an individual or organization that has supported local veterans and their families above and beyond the call of duty.
The Meritorious Service Award was first awarded in 2012. Past recipients include the combined Honor Guard Post 49 of the American Legion and Post 1126 of the VFW, Oakwood Cemetery, Jordan Mayfield, Fred Vining, Russ Bauer, David Morales, Liberty Sewing Circle and John C. Peterson Post 49 of the American Legion.
Warsaw High School Select Chorale, led by Choir Director Cassandra Petrie, performed at the event.
There was no keynote speaker this year due to an unexpected cancellation.
American Legion Post 49 Commander John Mort, Kosciusko County Commissioner Bob Conley and Commissioner Cary Groninger.
Warsaw High School Select Chorale, led by Choir Director Cassandra Petrie (front, center), performed at the event.
21 gun salute
