Holden: Great Leaders Exemplify Service

CHATHAM – People often ask what he remembers most about his military service, Henry “Hank” Holden said during the town’s Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11.

“That’s really easy,” he said. “Great leaders.

“I respect them. I honor them and I try to be like them, wherever I am, whatever I do,” he said.

An Air Force pilot who served in Central and South America, East Africa and Southeast Asia, where he flew 180 combat missions, Holden was the guest speaker at the ceremony. About 200 veterans, residents, town officials, police and fire department members, Coast Guardsmen, and Boy and Girl Scouts attended the ceremony at the community center.

Holden quoted Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” to exemplify the traits that make a great leader.

“Great leaders accept the challenge of new ideas, new pathways not well worn,” he said. “They don’t take the easy way out.” He quoted tennis great Billie Jean King, who said, “Go where your fear is. Leaders don’t walk the path that someone else has already shoveled.”

While honoring those who served in uniform, Holden also highlighted the doctors, nurses, scientists, engineers, teachers and others who acted in various capacities outside of the military.

“They all served, and they are heroes,” he said.

Recently recognized for his public service with numerous Cape organizations, Holden also spoke to the young people present, reminding them of President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inaugural speech, in which he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

“He lit the torch for personal service,” Holden said, urging young people to join organizations that benefit others. “This will lead to a dramatic discovery and be the beginning of your service career. Your deeds and service will magnify who you are.”

Brian Miner, chair of the town’s public ceremonies committee, recognized veterans in the audience and asked audience members to speak the names of relatives who served. Almost two dozen did so. 

Miner recalled a fellow veteran saying that recognition of service can be hard further from war. 

“We’re not very far now,” Miner said. “Twenty-three service members have died this year.” “Taps” then played while the audience observed a moment of silence.