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West Iredell High School holds Veterans Day tribute
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Published: November 11, 2009
Dozens of local military veterans were honored at West Iredell High School during a special Veterans Day tribute on Tuesday.
The annual program was attended by more than 100 veterans and their families, making it the best attended since its inception four years ago. The honored guests were seated in a special section in the middle of the gymnasium.
JROTC cadets at West organized the program.
Cadet Tina Xiong, 15, said she was honored to be part of the program and meet the veterans.
"Those people sacrificed themselves for our nation so we can be free," she said.
The veterans represented all branches of the military.
Throughout the program, cadets made presentations on the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, read an original poem, sang military songs and had a flag-folding ceremony.
Troutman resident Sammie Kennedy, 91, the oldest veteran in attendance, was presented with an American flag. He served six years in the Army and Air Force.
Kennedy, who served in World War II for 14 months, said he was honored to be recognized and plans to proudly display the flag.
"It's the first one I ever got at my age," he said.
Veteran Jack Clanton, 69, who served in the Army for three years, said the program was great.
"I wouldn't have missed it for the world," he said.
Cadet Hunter Selby, 14, who was inspired to join the JROTC because his dad and brother are in the military, said he is grateful for the men and women whose service has preserved the freedoms we enjoy today.
"They fought for our country and endangered their own lives so we can go to school," he said.
Tyler Coffin and Miguel Camacho were honored to have the opportunity to express their gratitude to the veterans.
"They served in many wars and the least we can do is say 'thank you' for defending their country," Camacho said.
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