Parke Heritage Honors Veterans

PARKE HERITAGE HONORS VETERANS. Veterans were honored during a program held at Parke Heritage High School Monday, November 11 in the gym. Macy Kent opened the program, Ava Barger lead the prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Stella Mrazik. Xander Brown and Jasmyne Everson presented the flags. Macy Kent then told the History of Veterans Day. The “Star Spangled Banner” was sung by Meghan Sliz. The band performed the songs, “Armed Forces on Parade” and “America the Beautiful.” Natalie Jones introduced the guest speaker. Leighton Wilhite, a World War II veteran and survivor of Iwo Jima, told of his experiences during the battle. He told how he was a driver of a Sherman tank during the battle in 1945. He stated that during the battle he went three days without food and spent 12-14 hours in the tank, including sleeping in it. “I was one of the lucky ones that made it home,” said Wilhite. He wears a ring with a photo of the flag raising of Iwo Jima, which is one of the most famous photos of the battle. To conclude the program, there was a moment of silence followed by “Taps” played by Dawson Seward. Participants in the Parke Heritage High School Veterans Day program were: (front row, from left) guest speaker Leighton Wilhite, Natalie Jones, Macy Kent, Jasmyne Everson, (back row) Megan Query, Stella Mrazik, Ava Barger and Xander Brown. (photo submitted)