Greenon High School remembers its veterans

8:40 PM Saturday, November 14, 2009

What a day loaded with blessings. This Veterans Day had all the makings of being extra special, and I was not disappointed.

First, I was invited to my alma mater, Greenon High School, for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony dedicating a Veterans’ Wall in the school. Earl Morse, the founder of Honor Flight and a good friend of mine, was the guest speaker, so I figured there would be a crowd. I happened to be walking in from the parking lot when Earl and I met. We exchanged pleasantries, both looked forward to a wonderful morning.

I was especially honored to have my wife and daughter accompany me, as well as my youngest son. I must also mention Harold Deane and his wife, Betty, who grew up in Enon and went to Enon High School as well as Oak Grove High School. Harold is a WWII veteran who spent three years and three months away from home. Harold ran ashore six times from a Higgins boat on the beaches of Africa, Sicily, Italy and southern Europe. He was a combat engineer and was in the same division as Audi Murphy, and in fact they were in the hospital together, both recovering from combat wounds. Harold and I have been friends for years now, and I visit Betty and him frequently.

Once seated, we were all treated to a very pleasing band and choir presentation. They were very, very good. I always appreciate students who dedicate and discipline themselves to play in the school band or sing in a school choir. That shows special character.

The gymnasium was packed with students, teachers, family members, and more. There was an honor guard there, and most all the veterans were seated on the stage. All branches of the service were represented, both men and women. The ages ranged from 17 to 94.

Bob McClure was the master of ceremonies at Greenon, and he said many honoring things about all veterans who have served and who have sacrificed for their country.

He then introduced Earl Morse, who never fails to capture an audience with his stories from Honor Flight and what the veterans mean to him. He is a good and honest man, and I am proud to know him.

The second speaker was a WWII veteran and I am sorry to say that I do not know about him, but the crowd was very touched by what he said and the history he represented.

Finally, McClure returned to the podium and began reading the list of names of those who had fallen in combat. There were many who had died in Vietnam and I knew that they had, but right then, right there, it hit me like a stone: William Bloomfield, David Dye, Clyde Saunders, and the list went on. I could not hold back the tears. These were classmates that I had known and shared my life with. They were 18, 19, and 20 when their lives ended, and there I sat at 61 years of age. It was a moment of deep sadness and reflection. I was so glad that these soldiers will not be forgotten at Greenon High School, and a special memorial will be dedicated to them.

Afterward, all the veterans on the stage lined up on the floor, and then every single person in that gymnasium filed by to shake our hands and to thank us for our service.

McClure told me later that usually in an assembly with this many students, there is talking and goofing around, but not today. They were very respectful and courteous and I could feel it in their handshakes, some even wrapping both hands around my one hand.

Next, we were served a delicious lunch, complete with cookies and cake with thick icing. The students, Bev Dean, Bob McClure, and others saw to our every need. We couldn’t have asked for more. Bottles of water, hand sanitizer, coffee, and beverages were brought right to our tables.

Thank you, Greenon. That was quite a welcome home, and I wanted you to know how much it was appreciated.

Randall W. Ark is a retired teacher active in veteran affairs.

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