Herron chosen as grand marshal of Hope Heritage Days parade

Bud Herron will serve as grand marshal of the 2018 Hope Heritage Days parade.

He was presented with the honor in a surprise ceremony Friday night during the HSJ Online fundraiser, "Once a Soldier" at WiLLow LeaVes of Hope. 

Herron was called to the stage by Michael Dean, CEO of Heritage of Hope. Dean said that every year it is a challenge to figure out a way to surprise the recipient of the honor. And in the case of Herron, it was not immediately clear whether he had received the award before because there are some gaps in the history of the grand marshals.

To make sure, Town Marshal Matt Tallent suggested Heritage of Hope officials contrive to ask Herron to help fill in those gaps. They figured that since Herron wasn't among the already documented recipients, if he had received the honor before, he would tell them when asked about those missing years.

"If he knows, he has at least helped me to fill in a name -- that would be his," Dean said. "If he hasn't then he is going to say 'No, I don't know.' He doesn't know, but that is the day that we decided Bud Herron was going to be grand marshal."

Dean said that Herron has long been the go-to person to get things done, or to find out crucial information about Hope. 

"My first time really knowing who Bud was, was talking to Don (Dillman) and he said, 'If you ever need anything, call Bud Herron," Dean recalled. "'He either can do it, or he knows the person who can.' From them on, I have always kept it in the back of my mind -- If I never needed anything or needed to know anything, I can call Bud Herron."

"He has been helping people. And helping and helping and helping and continues to do so."

Dean recalled asking Herron to be the keynote speaker for a graduation. But when Herron arrived, he found that the podium faced the parents and audience, not the students. Herron turned the podium around. 

"He said 'I am not here to talk to you, I am here to talk to them.' And he did his whole keynote speech with his back to the secondary audience, and facing the graduates," Dean said. 

Herron said he was dumbfounded.

"I don't know when I have ever been so flattered or so pleased," Herron said. "I love this town. It has always been in my heart (with nearly all of you, and I could name a couple.) I do love all of you. This is a high, high award. I don't know what to say about it. I am not often without words.  This is very, very special to me. I thank the board and I thank the people of the town for loving me, as I love you." 

Hope Heritage Days is Sept. 28th through the 30th with the parade on Sunday afternoon.

Herron was one of the founding members of the Heritage of Hope Media Division Committee that founded and oversees HSJ Online. He is currently serves as a ex officio member of the committee.

Heritage of Hope proclamation of Sept. 30th:

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Heritage of Hope, Inc., it is our distinct privilege to announce that you have been selected to be Grand Marshal of the Hope Heritage Days Parade on Sunday, September 30, 2018.

As grand marshal you will lead the parade and be escorted to the reviewing stand area where you will watch the remainder of the parade and select the Grand Marshal’s Choice entry.

You now join a list of esteemed past Grand Marshals who share with you a proven commitment to the Hope area community, a history of personal achievement, an unshakable devotion to God and family, and a reputation of high moral character.

During your distinguished and honored life in business and public service, you have proven your loyalty to the Hope area community through your support of its local government and by your unwavering dedication to many noteworthy civic causes. Through these efforts you have left a proud legacy for current and future leaders to follow. As your family, friends and countless colleagues over the years will attest, you have provided a steady, humble example of conveying our belief that there is “no better place to work and live than in Hope, Indiana”.

You have lived your life as a wonderful example to others and have made it possible for future generations in our corner of Bartholomew County to enjoy a richer, more fulfilling life.

These examples are just a portion of the many reasons why you were chosen for this prestigious honor, and we are grateful for the opportunity to name you Grand Marshal for 2018.