Students at Heppner High School paid tribute Thursday, Nov. 7, to veterans from across Eastern Oregon. The school held its annual commemoration ceremony in observance of Veterans Day to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.
“It’s the least we can do to show our support and respect for all of those who serve,” said Jeannie Collins, English teacher for Heppner High School. “It’s not just a song. It’s not just words. They really mean something and it’s important.”
Collins, who organizes the annual Veterans Day event, said she has family members who served in the military. The ceremony, she said, is a way to honor, support and show gratitude for their service.
“It’s very important for us to remember the veterans because of all they did for us,” said Mason Ormen, 17, a senior at Heppner High. “I think we should be very grateful that they go out and they serve and they risk their own lives for us.”
Before the event, students split into classrooms to hear stories from veterans who served in combat, including the Gulf War, the Vietnam War and World War II.
Vietnam War veterans Hal Bergstrom, Luis Bisson, David Sykes, Steve Palmer and George Norris gathered in one classroom to speak. Students sat in silence as they listened to the group impart personal stories of their experience during the war and after.
Read the full story, by Yasser Marte for the East Oregonian: https://www.eastoregonian.com/community/news/heppner-high-school-honors-veterans/article_fcc8b0aa-9d8c-11ef-9f20-af05c1713f4a.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=headlines-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=read%20more