Licking honors Veterans on Veterans Day
Photo by Shari Harris
These Veterans attended the Veterans Day Assembly at Licking Schools. From left, front row: Levi Stout, Ammon Chambers, David Roberts, Larry Krewson, Norman Dixon, Billie Krewson, Bill Link, Ted Jensen, Courtney Bryant, Don Young, Sandra Rodabaugh, Tammy Shirley, Dannie Pogue, Jonnie Pogue, Gary Gorman, Ken Hunt, Dale Gooding and John Meier; back row: Danny Swallow honoring his father, George Swallow, William Kent, Bobby Green, Bob Grimmer, Carl Lane, Charles Butler, Brian Collison, JD Hoffman, Billy Martin, Mariah Martin, Mack Brooks, Billy O’Neil and Tom Buchanan.
Photo by Shari Harris
These Veterans were honored at Hickory Manor. From left, Joe Coltrain (Air Force), Daniel Jackson (Army), Billy Richards (Army), Ronnie Smith (Navy and Air Force) and David Long.
Veterans Day festivities in Licking began with a Veterans Day Assembly at 9 a.m. at Licking High School’s gym, with several veterans from the community, their families, and all classes in the district in attendance.
Licking FFA posted colors, and State Representative Bennie Cook opened and closed the ceremony. Student Council President Miss Addison Floyd led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance, which was followed by the “Star Spangled Banner,” sung by the JH and HS Choir.
Mr. Billie Krewson, LHS teacher and VFW Post #6337 commander, gave the story of the Missing Man Table, which was set up in front of the speakers’ podium. He shared that over 80,000 U.S. soldiers, sailors and airmen are still considered to be missing in action/prisoner of war.
Music Director Kerri Chafin conducted the fifth and sixth grade classes as they performed “American Song” and “We Will Remember.”
An a capella performance of “America The Beautiful” followed, performed by members of the choir.
Licking student Lillian Godi read her Voice of Democracy winning essay, followed by Jasper Rodgers, reading his Patriot’s Pen winning entry.
This year’s guest speaker, chosen by the student council, was BMC Billie Krewson USNR Retired.
Cmdr. Krewson shared many anecdotes of his and his family’s life while he was in the military, centered around the theme “United We Stand.” He shared how he and his family were united to get through deployments, the birth of a child while he was away, and many other trials throughout his military career.
Krewson emphasized the importance of being united to make and keep America strong. “It’s not just about one,” he said.
Veterans were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and share where and when they served, then “Taps” was played by Gwen Campbell and Ronald Rife.
Krewson’s message was backed up by Rep. Cook in the closing, who also stressed the need for Americans to unite.
Members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church prayed the Rosary at the Memorial for the Fallen in Licking at 10 a.m.
At 11 a.m., members of Licking VFW Post #6337 performed a ceremony at the Memorial for the Fallen. Several were in attendance at the ceremony.
In the afternoon, Hickory Manor nursing facility celebrated their Veterans with live music by the Vankirks, cake and ice cream. Licking Residential Care’s Veterans Day activity was postponed until later in the day so their Veteran could attend, as he was out for an appointment.
To all Veterans and active duty military men, women and their families, “Thank you for your service!”
Photo by Shari Harris
VFW members conducted a ceremony at the Memorial for the Fallen in Licking on Veterans Day. From left are Jimmy Wolfe, Tom Rodman, Cmdr. Billie Krewson, Ted Jensen, and Auxiliary President Tina Sisco. Kyle Hale, Ron Ice and Kim Wolfe provided a three-volley salute. Chaplain Greg Berglund offered a prayer at the start of the ceremony.
Photo by Suzie Blackburn
Fourteen parishioners from St. John the Baptist Catholic Church prayed the Rosary on Veterans Day at 10 a.m. at the Memorial for the Fallen.
Photos by Shari Harris
