Veterans Day honored in Licking

By Editor | November 13, 2024 |

Photo by Shari Harris
Veterans at the Veterans Day Assembly in Licking included, from left, seated: Gary Gorman, Norman Dixon, Mitch Barwick, Will Link, Mike Gorman, Mickey Wilson, Donald Young, Rick Sullins, Billie Krewson and Larry Foxworthy; standing: John Bryant, Courtney Bryant, William Kent, Timothy Umfleet, Jeff Burgdorf, Dade Barry, Carl Lane, Thomas Riley, Chris Baker, Troy Halsey, Darrell McCall, Michael Mas, Charles Butler, Avery Norris, JD Hoffman and Bobby Duncan.

By Shari Harris, Publisher

Veterans were honored at several events in Licking on Veterans Day, Monday.

A Veterans Day Assembly was held at Licking Schools, with area Veterans and their families invited. Their program included the posting of colors by the Licking FFA, followed by opening statements by LHS Student Council President Janelle Bates. Senior Ralee Clayton led the Pledge of Allegiance, and The Cats Meow performed the national anthem. Teacher and VFW Post #6337 Commander Billie Krewson recited the story of the Missing Man Table, which was set up in front of the podium.

Mr. Kermit Lonning directed the fifth and sixth grade classes as they performed the Armed Forces Medley. This was followed by student Lillian Godi reading her Voice of Democracy essay. Then the LHS band and choir performed “America the Beautiful.”

Photo by Shari Harris
Mr. Kermit Lonning led the fifth and sixth grade classes as they performed the Armed Forces Medley.

This year’s guest speaker was Mickey Wilson, who is a Veteran and a school bus driver for Licking schools. Wilson grew up in Arizona, and he and his best friend joined the Air Force when he was 20 years old, on April 30, 1982. He joined the military because his best friend did, but as he learned about the military, he found a new reason to stay. He decided he needed to serve his country and defend his country’s constitution. While in the service, he inspected and packed parachutes, life rafts, vests, tents and other life saving items that went on planes. After 10 years, he left active duty but remained in the reserves for a year. Then he joined the Naval Reserves for a year. This was followed by four years as a combat engineer for the Texas National Guard.

Wilson is proud to have served his country. He told those assembled that the American flag stands for something, and that is why Veterans salute it. He shared with students that when they stand up and put their hand over their heart, it shows that they support Veterans.

Each Veteran in attendance was given the opportunity to introduce themselves and share about their service, and those assembled expressed their appreciation and thanked them for their service. “Taps” was played prior to closing statements by Superintendent Telena Haneline.

Other Veterans Day events followed. At 10 a.m., members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church recited the Rosary at the Memorial for the Fallen in Licking.

VFW Post #6337 held their Veterans Day ceremony at the Memorial for the Fallen at 11 a.m. Commander Billie Krewson, Sr. Vice Commander Michael Mas, Jr. Vice Commander Ed Folger, Officer of the Day Roy Burgess, and Ladies Auxiliary President Tina Sisco performed the ceremony, which ended with a rifle salute and “Taps,” played by John Whelan.

Photo by Shari Harris
Hickory Manor honored their Veterans on Monday. From left are Daniel Jackson, David Long, Ronald Haaland and Billy Richards. Not pictured was Raymond Becherer. Employees Kim Taylor and Dave Duncan are also Veterans.

In the afternoon, Hickory Manor honored their Veterans. Each received a card and a certificate thanking them for their service.

As Veterans Day is behind us now, let us not forget the price of our freedom, and the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who protect that freedom. Thank you to all Veterans for your service.

VETERANS DAY ASSEMBLY