Events
The Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Association hosted their Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Sunnydale School site in beautiful weather with a crowd of 80 attendees and participants.
Highlights included music by the Cascadia Brass Ensemble, singing of the National Anthem by Kate Bysheim, and comments by American Legion Post 134’s Chris Plyman on the challenges returning veterans faced during the Vietnam war, compared to vets who returned after World Wars I and II, and Korea. He noted how isolating flights were compared to ships, and how the ship travel gave soldiers opportunities to adjust gradually to a return to civilian life. His comments were very thought-provoking and moving.
Here are some highlights of the ceremony:
- Ted Teppo moderated the ceremony.
- The Color Guard was led by the American Legion Post 134.
- Diane Kennish rang a bell 11 times, commemorating armistice time: 11 am on Nov 11, 1918.
- Cascadia Brass Ensemble played beautiful renditions of patriotic and WWI era songs.
- The National Anthem was sung by Kate Bysheim.
- Guest speaker was local historian, Chris Plyman. Additional remarks were made by veteran Chuck Rangel and several others.
- The Highline Exchange Club assisted, with comments by Becky Paulsen, who discussed civics education and the role the Exchange Club plays in helping students.
Attendees were then invited to share their thoughts and memories, and several took part in sharing their sentiments and gratitude for our Veterans.
A Veteran display or memorabilia was available inside the Sunnydale building. Outdoors, two Vietnam-era vehicles, courtesy of Kirk Skaggs, were onsite for people to take pictures with.
Here at the The Highline Journal, we wish all our Veterans a warm and heart-felt "Thank You," with deep gratitude for your service, your bravery and selflessness in serving and protecting our country and freedoms.
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