SKCS Honors Veterans & Others

SOUTH KORTRIGHT – Music representing each branch of the military,  patriotic songs and music  honoring those who served paid tribute to local veterans at South Kortright Central School Monday afternoon,  marking Veterans Day. However the ceremony wasn't only the military men and women, but someone who volunteered at the very heart of theVietnam War battle, who was honored as well.

More than a dozen men and women were honored as the K-4 Chorus gave a rousing rendition of "Do You Wanna Know Freedom" before each fold of the flag was explained to the audience of students, faculty and community members. 

Each veteran present was introduced to the audience.

Donna Ward was this year's keynote speaker. She said her girl scout leader taught her to love the arts and music and she was leaning toward college, but then her father, a sergeant in the U. S. Air Force passed and her plans had to be altered. 

She auditioned for a military band, but not liking the color of the band uniforms of another branch of the service, chose the U.S. Army and attended West Point Military Academy. She said she found the physical training very tough, but West Point shaped her into a better person. She went on to lead others during her 15 years in the Army, specializing in telecommunications. It taught her that people are what matter. 

She said it is important to work for a stronger, safer, better world, to know yourself and always try to get better.

She ended by noting it is the 50th anniversary year of women being admitted to the service academy (1976). The future of the service belongs to everyone, he said, and is not just those who have served in the past, but those who will serve in the future. "I took a pledge to defend this nation against all enemies and I will always live by that pledge," she said. "It is one of the reasons I returned to teaching, so that you can grow up to be brave and chase your dreams. Every act of service, no matter how big or how small, makes a difference. Treat everyone with respect, look at the sacrifices and live free."

She is now a teacher at SKCS.

"Veterans Day," she said, "is a moment of reflection and appreciation for those who served."

Army veterans John Rockefeller and Mary Hendee on behalf of the Vietnam ERA Veterans, stepped forward to make a special presentation to someone who was not a member of the military service, but volunteered to help treat those wounded in battle in Vietnam. 

"We have all served our time and did whatever we had to do, but his person went above and beyond, spending four years nursing severely wounded veterans being transported from the conflict in Vietnam. These were veterans who needed medical attention right away. These planes were often loaded full, seven hammocks high with the wounded being transported from the conflict. She did this for four years."

Bettye Jo Darling's first husband was in the Navy and would do six months at sea while stationed in Japan. She was able to go to Japan with him and while he was at sea, she would volunteer at the medical hub. She said you could tell Americans were losing the battle by the increased number of casualties that were coming into the camp.

Rockefeller presented her with a service medal, along with a citation from the Republic of Vietnam, thanking her for her medical efforts in Japan during the Vietnam conflict.

The patriotic assembly thanked everyone who has served and ended with a special reception for the veterans.

The K-4 Chorus at South Kortright Central School sang "Do You Wanna Know Freedom" during the special assembly honoring veterans at the school.

Bettye Jo Darling looks on as veteran John Rockefeller, with veteran Mary Hendee, present a service citation from the Republic of Vietnam during the Veterans Day ceremonies at South Kortright Central School on Monday. She was honored for her volunteer service to wounded soldiers during the Vietnam conflict. It was accompanied by a service medal.

Veterans take their place on the stage at South Kortright Central School Monday afternoon for a special ceremony honoring veterans for Veterans Day.