Retired Major General George F. Bowman honored at Sumter Memorial Day Ceremony
SUMTER, S.C. (WIS) - Many gathered alongside the Sumter County Veteran’s Association Monday to honor those who have served.
Retired Major General George F. Bowman was proud to have his family’s legacy honored as part of the 2024 Memorial Day Ceremony but was even more proud to be an American.
“It makes me very proud just to know that my grandfather and my father preceded me, and that my son and my grandson are following me along this trek,” Major General Bowman said.
Bowman began serving in the United States Army in 1969, where he would first serve in Germany.
This would lead to a military career lasting over three decades. He is known by many in the military family as a “soldier’s soldier” and brilliant leader.
Originally from Sumter, Bowman is the son of Tuskegee Airman, Leroy Bowman. The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American military personnel who fought in World War II who helped escort multiple air force bombers and made attacks on ground targets.
“They themselves lost their lives, but they never lost a bomber they were tasked to escort,” Major General Bowman said, “If you flew with the Tuskegee Airmen, you came home alive.”
Bowman is also the grandson of decorated World War I veteran, Brooks Bowman, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country after being exposed to mustard gas.
Major General Bowman explains how sharing his grandfather’s story educates younger generations and teaching them how the freedom we enjoy every day is a privilege.
“It gives meaning when they say, ‘thank you for your service’, they’re actually talking to someone who served, and who actually did that work,” Bowman said, “So, these kinds of occasions help reinforce the idea that freedom is not free. It has never been free.”
The Sumter County Veteran’s Association plans to be back at Veterans Park for another ceremony on Memorial Day in 2025.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
Copyright 2024 WIS. All rights reserved.
