Early Monday morning Minden High School held a Veterans Day Program in honor of all those who have fought for America’s freedom.
“Today we are here to honor all of our veterans who unselfishly placed their lives on the line for our freedom. Those men and women, were ordinary people, until they heard the call of duty and answered it. They left their families, their homes, and their lives, not for recognition, fame, or even the honor we bestow upon them today. They fought to protect our country, to maintain our way of life,” said Cadet 2nd lieutenant Cammy Edwards to start off the program.
The ceremony itself consisted of music from the MHS Choir and the Richardson Elementary School Choir, the Presentation of Colors carried out by MHS JROTC, videos to help remind all of the sacrifices that Veterans have made, a reading of the Soldier’s prayer, and of course, time to honor all veterans including the one who were present for the ceremony.
Later during the ceremony, Cadet Battalion Commander, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Donovan Douglas said, “This year, in addition to remembering all Veterans, we would like to individually honor the Veterans within our own school.”
He then called to the front LTC (Retired) Robert Peden, Senior Army Instructor for the MHS JROTC, who retired after 20 years of service as an Army Aviator. Next was Chief Warrant Officer (Retired) David Martin, MHS Math Teacher, who retired after 22 years of service. After that was MSgt. (Retired) Janell Larkin, Army instructor for the MHS JROTC, who retired after 28 years of service.
The next honors went to Dr. Gary Johnson, MHS Science Teacher who served as a Navy Chaplain for seven years. Coach Tracy Lee, MHS Math Teacher, was also asked to come forward, who served in the Louisiana Army National Guard as a Carpenter for 6 years.
Coach Derek Murray, MHS Paraprofessional was the next one up, who two years in the US Army as a Military Policeman for two years and then transferred to the US Air Force where he served as a Musician for 10 years.
The last to be called forward was Coach Corey Lewing, MHS History Teacher, who served seven years in the Louisiana Army National Guard as a Calvary Scout for seven years.
After that, all military veterans in the audience were asked to stand and be recognized, and they were all met with a round of applause.