November 6, 2023
“The valor and courage of our young women and men in the armed services are a shining example to all of the world, and we owe them and their families our deepest respect.” - Bill Frist, former U.S. Senator
According to the Veterans Administration website, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military - in wartime and peacetime. Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served have sacrificed and done their duty. Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11.
As Americans, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the veterans and current military personnel who have and continue to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. We are extremely honored and grateful to count many of these heroes among the members of the Mayville State family. The list is long, and each one of them is treasured, respected, and thanked for their service.
One highly respected Mayville State alumnus is United States Marine Corps three-star general, Lt. Gen. Emil “Buck” Bedard, 1965 Mayville State graduate. Bedard, who lives in the Las Vegas area, retired from the military in 2003, with 38 years of active duty service.
A native of Argyle, Minn., Lt. Gen. Bedard is a highly decorated true American hero. His experiences are many and include the fact that on 9-11, he sat at the Pentagon, less than 50 yards away from the impact of the plane that flew into the building on the fateful day. He has led and commanded as few as 40 and as many as 45,000 Marines at one time. From Vietnam to the Golf War, to the Iraq war, Somalia, 9-11 at the Pentagon, and stations around the country and world, Lt. Gen. Emil “Buck” Bedard has without a doubt built a distinguished career.
“We are so very proud of Lt. Gen Bedard and all that he has done to make a positive impact in the world,” said MSU Director of Alumni Affairs Beth Swenson. “We cannot begin to adequately express our gratitude to “Buck” Bedard and the many people who have made unbelievable sacrifices that have allowed us to enjoy the freedoms we hold dear to our hearts.”
Bedard earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Mayville State in 1965 with a major in physical education and a minor in mathematics. He earned a master’s degree from the University of North Dakota in 1967. He was commissioned a second lieutenant on Dec. 1, 1967. His formal military education includes the U.S. Army Advanced Infantry Course, Armed Forces Staff College, and Army War College. His personal decorations include Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Gold Star, Bronze Star with Combat “V,” Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” and two Gold Stars, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Army Achievement Medals, Air Medal with numeral “16,” Combat Action Ribbon with Gold Star, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star.
Bedard received the Mayville State University Distinguished Alumni Award in 1997. A letterman as a Mayville State student, he was football player and wrestler and participated in track. He was named the most valuable player on Mayville State’s 1964 football team and was named to the all-conference football team that year as well. Bedard was inducted into the Mayville State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.
Emil “Buck” Bedard and his friend, Dr. Martin Johnson, 1966 Mayville State graduate and Corporal, USMC, have headed up the Military Honor Garden project on the grounds of the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center at Mayville State University.
The Honor Garden monument features a life-sized bronze eagle in flight statue, and all five branches of the military are represented on pieces of granite in the center of the structure. This beautiful and meaningful project is a tribute to Mayville State faculty, staff, and students, as well as alumni and community men and women, for their patriotic service in America’s Armed Forces. The intent is to honor anyone who has served in the military. Those honored include Mayville State alumni, as well as others who did not attend Mayville State.
Learn more about the Military Honor Garden and how you can pay tribute to a loved one in the garden at www.mayvillestate.edu/militaryhonorgarden.
Patriot Features has recently produced a video feature on Emil “Buck Bedard’s life and career, “Bedard, a Service Story.” It can be viewed at https://www.patriotfeatures.org/portfolio/emil-buck-bedard/.
In summing up his career, Bedard says, “I think I’m most proud of a couple of things … leading my country and fighting for our flag and constitution. I’m proud to have worn the uniform of our country, and to have led the thousands of young Marines who served under me over the years.”
Thank you for your service, Buck. Congratulations on a stellar career. We’re Comet Proud of you, and we sincerely appreciate you and all veterans.