Mississippi’s top general: Veterans Day time to remember sacrifices of America’s military members

The sacrifices made by America’s military members were highlighted during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Two Mississippi Museums.

The event, conducted Tuesday outside of Jackson’s Two Mississippi Museums, honored Mississippi’s service members, veterans and their families. It featured a musical performance from the 41st Star Army Band and remarks from military leaders, including Maj. Gen. Bobby M. Ginn Jr., the adjutant general of Mississippi.

“As we gather on Veterans Day, we are reminded that behind every name engraved on a memorial is a life that mattered, a family that loved them and a story that deserves to be told,” he said.

Ginn’s speech told the story of Meridian native and Army National Guardsmen Sgt. Robert S. Pugh, a combat medic who died during the Iraq War. After an improvised explosive device left him and Sgt. First Class Ellis Martin with severe injuries, Pugh directed the soldiers around him to give Martin life-saving treatment.

Ellis survived, but Pugh died of his injuries. Pugh was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and Mississippi Medal of Valor. The Mississippi National Guard Readiness Center in Morton bears his name.

“In what would become the final moments of his own life, Sgt. Pugh’s concern was not for himself. It was for the soldier beside him,” said Ginn. “That is the very definition of selfless service.”

Ginn conducted the wreath-laying ceremony with Pugh’s mother, Wilma Allen, followed by a memorial volley.

Mississippi Air National Guard state Command Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Myers said that stories like Pugh’s are, “a somber reminder that once we put the uniform on, it is always the possibility that we will be called into harm and dangers’ way, and for that, some of us pay the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

Myers considers Veterans Day a time for him to reflect on his 30-year career. He said he is honored to serve alongside multiple generations of service members.

“For those who make the choice to join our services and join our formations, I take it as a privilege to serve with them, because they are the younger generation,” he said.