Veterans were honored during a program held at Parke Heritage High School on Friday in the gym.
Paige Patton opened the program with a welcome to the Veterans in attendance. Mason Bowsher and Nate Woodard presented the flags. Cassie Miller led the prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Stella Mrazik.
Stella then introduced the choir members who performed the “Star Spangled Banner.” Hannah Thurman presented a brief history of Veterans Day. The choir also performed the song, “Homeward Bound.” Josie Bodine, Keely Black, Jakob Weber, Emma Patton, and Hannah Thurman provided information on the different branches of the military. The high school band then played, “Marches of the Armed Forces,” during which Veterans stood during their branch’s song.
Caleb Rector introduced the guest speaker, Major Dan Rector, who is currently a Major in the Indiana Army National Guard where he has served as a Field Artillery officer for nearly 19 years. He has been deployed once to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan.
Rector encouraged students to talk to veterans, to appreciate their service and to be a good citizen by adding to the community.
The band then performed the song, “Americans We.”
Emma Patton recognized the staff members who have served as members of the military as well as students who intend on serving after graduation. PHHS staff members who have served are Courtney Lash, Air Force; Brittany Kimbro, Army National Guard; Dustin Maxfield, Marines; and Dan Rector, Army National Guard.
Miller then recognized the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice, those who have been taken prisoners of war and those who are missing in action. These military personnel were honored by a white table with symbolic items displayed on it.
To conclude the program, “Taps” was played by Alison Nicholas followed by the retiring of the flags. Paige Patton concluded the program by thanking everyone for coming to the high school program.
