BEDFORD- Sergeant James Lee Hutchinson, a WWII veteran and author, was honored at a toast hosted by the Rotary Club on Saturday night. The event was a huge success without an empty seat. Speakers from throughout Sgt. Hutchinson’s life was on hand to speak on his behalf, all sharing beautiful stories and insights into the man we were gathered to celebrate.
One presenter had more than just a story or kind words to present. Senator Eric Koch was in the audience to bestow the Circle of Corydon Award on Sgt. Hutchinson. The Circle is meant for those who, like the State’s founders, have made remarkable contributions that have bettered Indiana and who have demonstrated the qualities exemplified by the state’s greatest citizens. Only members of the General Assembly may make a nomination for the Circle.
Hutchinson had been awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash previously, and “Sgt. James Lee Hutchinson was previously recognized by the legislative branch through a joint legislative resolution sponsored by then Indiana State Senator Brent Steele and myself,” Koch said. That makes Hutchinson the only person to be recognized on those three levels in the state’s history.
