The Riverton Parke Jr./Sr. High School staff and student body honored America’s military veterans in a special Veterans Day program on November 10. The ceremony opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and the playing of our National Anthem by the RP band, followed by the recognition of veterans. Special quilt presentations were made to local veterans from the Old Glory Quilters. Members of the Old Glory Quilters create and donate beautiful quilts to military veterans in honor of their service to our country. A total of nine beautiful quilts were given to veterans in attendance. The program was closed with a flag folding ceremony performed by Collin Watson and Sebastin Mankin, and the playing of Taps by student Hayden Hastings. The Veterans Day program was organized by RP’s National Honor Society, sponsored by Amanda Warne and Jennifer Watson, and the National Junior Honor Society sponsored by Rachel Loomis.
Richard Omundson, was presented with a memorial quilt by his granddaughter and NHS member Jazmyne Brooks.
Justin Cottrell, Army, received a memorial quilt. Pictured with him is his son, Lane Cottrell, and NHS member Shelby Blair.
Marilou Cox helped present a commemorative quilt to Mark McGranahan, Coast Guard. Also assisting is NHS member Luke Robertson. Mark is the grandfather of Gage and Brynlee McGrannahan.
Kaleb Payton helped present an honorary quilt to his father, Kevin Payton, Army and National Guard. Also helping is NHS member Carson Cox.
Pictured below is Tony Greene, Marines, receiving a memorial quilt. He is shown with his son, Isaac Greene, and wife, Donna Greene. Also assisting is NHS member Justin Smith.
Bruce Butler, Army, was presented with a commemorative quilt. Bruce is the grandfather of NHS member Justin Smith.
Members of the audience, Ethan and Brittany Caplinger, were also presented with honorary quilts commemorating their service. Their daughter is Abbigail Caplinger.
Jason Parker, Army, was presented an honorary quilt for his service. Assisting him is his daughter, Taylor Parker.
A flag folding ceremony was performed by Sebastin Mankin and Collin Watson while the meaning of the folds was read by Sarah Brown.
Shown playing “Taps” is Hayden Hastings.
The National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society created a paper quilt displayed by the gymnasium entrance in honor of Panther relatives who have served or are currently serving our country.
The White Table was displayed upon entering the gymnasium for the Veterans Day ceremony as a symbol for and remembrance to service members fallen, missing, or held captive in the line of duty.
