For retired Command Sgt. Maj. Oscar Sims Jr., Thursday morning was a homecoming.
Sims grew up down the street from Sim Scott Park and was happy to be back in the neighborhood. Sims also noted the importance the city of Columbus had in preparing him for his 32 years of decorated service in the Army.
“I was grounded and rooted from (this) place,” Sims said to the crowd. “… I was able to persevere through hard times. Coming from Columbus, Mississippi, I know what a hard time is.”
Sims spoke to a crowd of more than 60 veterans, city officials and community members for Columbus Parks and Recreation’s fifth annual Veterans Day Program at Sim Scott Community Center. Sims noted not only the importance in remembering veterans year-round, not just on Veterans Day, and treating them well when they return from service.
“Saying thank you for your service once a year isn’t enough,” Sims said. “We must strive to be worthy of freedom. … Let’s make sure no veteran feels forgotten or left behind. We all play a part in showing our gratitude, whether it’s through volunteering at the VA hospital, … supporting veteran-owned businesses or simply taking the time just to listen to their story.”
Sims also took a moment during his speech to recognize two specific types of veterans: Buffalo soldiers, which were regiments of African-American soldiers during the Civil War, and Vietnam veterans. He said these two veterans often go underappreciated and get a lack of recognition during these types of holidays but are just as important as all other veterans.
“We honor their legacies, which paved the way for future generations of African-American soldiers (such) as myself,” Sims said.
Greg Lewis, parks and recreation director, said Sims was the perfect person to have come and speak for this year’s program because of his connection to Columbus and his decorated service as a veteran.
Lewis said he and Sims grew up in Columbus together and have remained good friends ever since Sims left for service in 1982.
“The reason it was touching was because we know each other so well,” Lewis said. “(We) were classmates, and we’ve just been through a lot of things together. So it meant a whole lot for him to come. … There are a lot of people here from the neighborhood, so it was kind of very touching today.”
During the program prisoners of war and veterans killed in the line of service were also recognized with a symbolic open seat and table.
To Sims, it’s important to recognize those soldiers who were captured as prisoners of war or were killed in the line of duty during the program because their sacrifices are incredibly important to the country.
Because of the impact of combat service, Sims said it’s important to treat those veterans that return from conflict with the respect they deserve, especially given post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental conditions that can come with serving in a combat zone.
“When you see a veteran, be careful what you say to them,” Sims said. “… I get a lot of ‘What did you do?’ ‘Who did you shoot?’ ‘Did you get shot at?’ … If you see one, don’t tell them (that). Just tell them, ‘Welcome home. Thank you for your service.’”
Even though Sims has lived in Oklahoma since his retirement in 2014, he still finds ways to give back to the community, Lewis said.
“He still sponsors children, he still supports different events,” Lewis said. “So it’s kind of like even though he’s in Oklahoma, he still comes home pretty frequently, and … he (is) a community person that we all love.”
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