Landmark Honors Veterans on Veterans Day

Submitted by brian.davenport on

On Wednesday November 11th, Spanish Fork’s Landmark High School, in remembrance of Veterans Day, held a special ceremony to honor those who courageously fought before us.  Scott Carson, Assistant Principal, and retired Army Major, conducted the ceremony. Mr. Carson had presented a slideshow, sang a few songs which he had written, and honored several special guests who were invited to attend.

Among these special guests were Wallace Knuetson, Richard Banks, and Fern Lindley. Wallace Knuetson, a Navy veteran of 30 years. Seven of which was served in the Vietnam, two of those years as a Navy Seal. After 30 years in the Navy he finally retired a Chief Petty Officer. The second veteran honored was Richard Banks.  Banks was an Infantryman who served on the front lines in the Battle of Bulge.  He was captured and became a Prisoner Of War until VE-Day, The end of the war in the eastern front.

Third and finally honored was Spanish Fork’s only living Gold Star Mother, Fern Lindley. A Gold Star Mother is one who child was Killed in Action on the field of battle.  Her son Marvin Lindley, served in the Vietnam War and was decorated with the Silver Star for his heroism after carrying one of his fellow soldiers back to safety only to be killed while trying to bring back a second soldier.  “Such acts of heroism will not be forgotten.  It is brave acts like this that keep our freedoms alive,” stated Scott Carson.

These two veterans and Mrs. Lindley, Gold Star Mother, were made honorary LHS Dragon, and awarded the Dragon pin for all the contributions that they have made for this school, this community and this nation.

We are reminded to never forget our very own veterans here at LHS.  First we have Sergeant First Class, Howard Bonzo, who served in Iraq from 2005 – 2006.  He was stationed at Camp Ramadi with the Field Artillery unit as head of communications.  Second, we have Scott Carson, a Military Intelligence officer who also served in the Iraq, with the 513th and 205th MI brigades as a battle Captain in the operations command posts.

 “This was a very well done assembly, although I don’t think that Veterans quite get the credit they deserve.  Hopefully, this ceremony has helped the students and faculty of LHS realize the sacrifices these veterans and their families have made to protect our freedoms.  We need to make sure these veterans know that we are thankful for what they’ve done.  So if you happen to know a veteran, pay your respects and let them know you’re thankful.  They definitely deserve to hear it.” Said Student Council member Chelsea Chlarson

Attributions
Tyler Dunkley and Erich Egles