By Don Steen ~ Staff Writer • [email protected]
Students at Heritage Hills schools came together on Veterans Day to honor those within their communities who have served in the armed forces. Several local veterans were present to be recognized, and share in the ceremony. The band and choir opened the event with performances of the National Anthem as well as the songs of each branch of the military.
This year’s guest speaker was a very familiar face, Coach Todd Wilkerson. Wilkerson served aboard the USS John C. Stennis as Petty Officer First Class, working in nuclear propulsion.
He focused his presentation on the themes of patriotism and willingness to serve, two of the key motivators for those who choose to join the military, or heed that call by necessity.
The Wilkersons are no strangers to the armed forces. Wilkerson’s great-grandfather served in WWI and both of his grandfathers served in WWII. He had three uncles in the military as well, and his own father was a veteran of Vietnam.
One uncle, Tom Wilkerson, served in the 25th Infantry Division during the TET Offensive as a gunner on an APC. He was shot on three separate occasions before taking a bullet through the neck, temporarily paralyzing him. By war’s end, Tom had earned four Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars. He now lives in Vincennes with his family.
Wilkerson’s father was married in 1969, but the draft saw him off to Vietnam shortly thereafter. Stationed at “Landing Zone Gator”, his wartime experience yielded many stories that would later be passed down. This included an account of “a helicopter landing on him” that was left without elaboration.
The biggest hardship, however, was learning that he had a baby boy (Coach Wilkerson), waiting for him at home. Wilkerson’s father first met him in a brief trip home, but that meeting could not last long. He was recalled to war shortly thereafter.
“You talk about sacrifice,” said Wilkerson.
The school’s coach left students with a challenge, asking, “what is a patriot?” He said that this can be subjective. Some may take pride in where they come from, but fail to honor their country beyond that. Rather than reduce patriotism to a team sport, Coach Wilkerson asked students to embody the principles of courtesy, respect, integrity, and tolerance that have traditionally accompanied American patriotism. He also encouraged everyone to talk with the veterans in their lives.
“Know their story,” said Wilkerson.
Featured Image: The Veteran’s Day Program had quite the crowd of students, faculty, and veterans
Pictured (from top left): The Heritage Hills Band and Choir performed renditions of the National Anthem, and songs for each of the branches of the armed forces. This year’s guest speaker was Heritage Hills coach Todd Wilkerson, who served on the USS John C. Stennis as Petty Officer First Class. Wilkerson delivered a moving speech about the true meaning of sacrifice, willingness to serve, and patriotism to all who were in attendance.
