MOUNT VERNON — A lifetime of selfless service received a little bit of recognition recently when Robert Hudson of Mount Vernon was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame on Nov. 5. Hudson, a Vietnam Air Force veteran and longtime volunteer at the Knox County Chapter of the American Red Cross, was honored along with 19 other inductees at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Columbus. The honored veterans also received a bit of a surprise as the ceremony began.
Arriving in Columbus that day and attending the ceremony with Gov. Ted Strickland was former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell. “I am happy to share in this special ceremony,” said Powell in addressing the honorees. “There is no greater generation than the generation serving in the military today ... and we must never forget to reflect on Veterans Day or Memorial Day or any day on their dedication and sacrifice.”
Hudson received honors from Strickland and Bill Hartnett, director of Ohio Department of Veterans Services, for his military service during the Vietnam War and for his “unparalleled commitment to voluntary civic activities and veterans’ advocacy duties.”
“I didn’t know what to say,” said Hudson when first learning about his Hall of Fame induction. “I usually don’t like being in the spotlight. I prefer to stay in the background.”
After Hudson’s military service was complete, his time of public service was only beginning. A life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and AMVETS, Hudson initiated a plan to create a Veterans Walk of Honor in Mount Vernon to commemorate all veterans from Knox County. After he and a group of fellow veterans raised $80,000 for the project, his hard work all came to fruition in a dedication ceremony on Nov. 11, 1998, at the Mount Vernon Public Square.
“I didn’t feel there was enough recognition for our Knox County veterans,” said Hudson. “So I talked to the mayor about a Veterans Walk. I’m sure they are all very deserving of this.”
He since has spent countless hours in area schools teaching children the importance of the American spirit, the honor of the flag and in other patriotic programs.
