EDITORIAL: Lt. Gen. Bagnal worthy of being local role model

Lt. Gen. Charles W. Bagnal was hardly a household name in Florence before last week’s School Foundation gala at Florence Civic Center.

Bagnal left Florence more than 55 years ago after graduating from McClenaghan High School in 1952. He graduated from West Point and earned a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech. He served in Vietnam and was a decorated aviator who commanded all U.S. Army forces in the Pacific. And after retiring, he completed a law degree and practiced in Columbia for 10 years.

After being honored as a Distinguished Graduate from Florence School District 1, we hope Bagnal continues to be held high as a role model for students in every local school.

The eternally optimistic Bagnal was an excellent choice for the honor because of his achievements, positive attitude and love for his hometown and state.

“People ask me, ‘General, why are you so positive?’” he said. “I tell them, ‘Because I decided to be.’”

Those powerful words came from a beloved man who visited local history and ROTC classes while he was in town and impressed students, teachers and administrators with his knowledge, expertise and dedication.

But beyond his wisdom, we were struck by Bagnal as the model for courage, bravery and dedication. He married the former Patsy Smith, a Florence woman he first met in the second grade, and he lived the life of a dedicated protector of America’s freedom around the world.

Bagnal’s world view brought a unique perspective in the speech he delivered to the crowd of 900 people at the event, which raised about $100,000 for the foundation.

As a warrior who studied World War II at West Point and fought in Vietnam, Bagnal knows about the preciousness of freedom. The Nazis and Japanese threatened the world when he was a boy in the 1930s and 1940s. Communists tried to undermine the American way of life in the 1960s and 1970s when he was raising his own family.

Still, as difficult as it was to prevail in those battles, he said the threat of terrorism provides a new challenge.

“The war against terrorism is just as important as World War II,” Bagnal said. “And in some ways, it’s more important.”

Bagnal believes military service is important in creating a strong America and patriotism. And after listening to him talk about the advantages of military discipline, it’s tough not to endorse a return to mandatory service.

Gen. Richard Myers, the former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff under President George W. Bush, came to honor Bagnal and said: “You could not find a better citizen in this country than Gen. Bagnal.”

Bagnal’s path to success was built on strong morality and intense purpose. He knew how to develop a game plan and execute it.

The lesson for today’s students are immense. “It’s an honor to serve your country,” as Bagnal said Thursday night, “and that extends to community service, not just military service.”

America’s future depends on finding dependable strategists and fighters like Gen. Bagnal.

This country faces daily security threats from terrorists, unstable governments (Iraq and North Korea) and zealous dictatorships (Hugo Chavez in Venezuela).

Who will be there to answer the challenges? Better, smarter and more sophisticated students will make for a stronger America.

The School Foundation has raised more than $420,000 to date for programs in Florence School District 1 — innovative programs and teachers inspire students.

To see Bagnal return to Florence and accept this lifetime achievement award was inspiring as the general’s career itself.

In the future, when Florence students hear his name, the legacy will be one of honor, pride and a strong example for all who follow.

— Unsigned editorials represent the views of this newspaper. Editorial Board members are Mark Laskowski (regional publisher), James Bennett (regional editor), Sam Bundy (sports editor), Kimberly Ginfrida (news editor), David Johnson (regional circulation director), Charles Tomlinson (Lake City News & Post editor) and Jackie Torok (metro editor).