VFW Commander Jim Howard, right, was the guest speaker at the Whitko Junior High School Veterans Day tribute. At left is Korean War veteran and special guest Bob Hearld. Photos provided by Whitko Community Schools.

News Release

LARWILL – On Tuesday, Nov. 11, Pierceton Elementary School students and staff offered welcomed local veterans and community members who attended the “Honoring All Who Served” Veterans Day program.

Pierceton Elementary School Principal Liz Riggers thanks veterans for their service and for attending the school’s Veterans Day program.

Guests were greeted at the door and led to the gymnasium. Students sat with their veteran guests. Principal Liz Riggers welcomed everyone standing at a podium flanked with each military branch’s flag. Music teacher Tammy Sprunger led the students in singing patriotic songs. Pierceton resident and veteran Harold Lehman was guest speaker. During the playing of the Armed Forces Medley, veterans in attendance stood and were recognized when their branch song was played. Refreshments were served in the cafeteria following the program.

Pierceton’s Harold Lehman was the guest speaker at Pierceton Elementary School. Here, he talks with another military veteran.

South Whitley Elementary School students marched from the elementary school to the Eel River bridge flagpole. There they were joined by local veterans and community members in observation of Veterans Day. After a greeting by VFW Commander Jim Howard, the program continued with the Whitko High School Band playing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” A flag-folding ceremony and wreath placement by the flagpole was led by Marine veteran John Snepp, of South Whitley. The student body waved flags and sang patriotic songs before closing remarks from South Whitley Elementary School Principal Joel Holsopple, who thanked the veterans for their service.

South Whitley Elementary fourth-grade students Hudson Wise, Logan Weber and Lilly Jackson get ready to lead the parade.

Whitko Junior High School students attended a Veterans Day tribute organized by the Whitko Sunshine Society members. After a welcome by Sunshine Society members Kate Long and Eleena Forman, the Whitko High School Band played “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Jim Howard was guest speaker and Korean War veteran Bob Hearld, 91, attended as a special guest. Students Jenna Hubbard and Kaylyn Green presented the flags, and Anna Craft and Jalynn Rucker concluded the program with a video of students and staff members thanking veterans for their service.

South Whitley Elementary School kindergartners thank veterans with a song.