JROTC hosts ceremony to honor Vietnam veterans of all branches

White County High School JROTC hosted their third annual Vietnam Veterans Ceremony, on March 28, honoring Vietnam Veterans for their service.

The service is held in observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which is March 29. On March 29, 1973, two months after the signing of the Vietnam peace agreement, the last U.S. combat troops left South Vietnam

During the service at WCHS, 19 veterans from the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines arrived to be honored for their service. The ceremony honored the veterans present, as well as thanking those who helped organize the event, such as Jerry Kelsey. WCHS principal Greg Wilson gave an impassioned speech to the students present, reminding them the heroes before them always deserve the respect this event wishes to deliver.

There was a special award at the ceremony given to Paul Steele, a veteran that served the White County education system for 39 years. Serving as an infantry soldier from October 1968 to October 1970, Steele then served 17 years as a science teacher as White County Middle School, eight years as assistant principal, then 14 years as principal. He was awarded with a Spartan statue to honor his service both to the country and the county’s education.

After the main service, there was a wreath-laying service for Capt. John Michael Casey’s memorial outside WCHS. Capt. Casey lost his life during his service in Vietnam, on March 25, 1968. He was a beloved member of the White County community, and his graduating class and comrades wanted to honor him with the wreath laying. Capt. Casey’s sacrifice is a continuous reminder of the price veterans pay for the freedom of all Americans, and his former classmates were touched by the act of remembrance.