Leo Eckerle, who served in the Korean War, was honored with several local veterans during the Jasper High School Veterans Day service held Monday morning.
The crowd stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Governor-Elect Mike Braun gave brief remarks at the beginning of the ceremony. He pointed out that one out of every 20 Hoosiers served in the military, one of the highest rates in the United States. During World War II, Mr. Braun’s father served with a B-17 bomber squadron. He recognized that service and the service of the many others who have volunteered for the military, protecting the freedoms and liberties of all Americans. After the ceremony, Mr. Braun commented on his political beginnings as a Greater Jasper Consolidated School board member for ten years. He said his wife, Maureen, had been initially contacted to join the board, but with her involvement in the Jasper Downtown and her business, she recommended he try.
Major Nate Humbert, a Jasper grad, was the guest speaker at Monday’s event. He told the crowd about his experience overseas as a helicopter pilot serving in Afghanistan in the area where Osama bin Laden was operating at the time. “I saw the worst of humanity in the ways the Taliban treated their country,” he said. “And the best in humanity in through the services and protection of the U.S. military and our allies.” He recognized the school and its teachers and coaches as foundational to his successful military career.
Jasper High School Band Director Mr. Chad Gayso directed the JHS band through a medley of the various branches’ songs.
Ava Bower, senior, struck the chimes during the performance of “Duty, Honor, Country”.
Eli Clark (left) and Ethan Lacy performed Taps at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Bob Metcalf, Army veteran, shook hands with the students as they exited the ceremony Monday morning.
