Refreshments in the Brady Library started more than four hours of events that served as the 20th annual Veteran’s Day Celebration.
A panel of vets, moderated by PHS teachers Gary Overla and John Fulton, answered questions and shared memories from 9-9:45 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center.
The traditional celebration began at 10 a.m. and lasted more than 90 minutes. The VFW and American Legion honor guard posted the colors. The Perry High School Select Choir performed the “Star-Spangled Banner” and, after opening remarks from Mike Powell, sang a medley of the Service Anthems for each branch of the military and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Gene Peel introduced members of the Wilson Family, including 96-year-old Darlene Scar of Perry. She was one of two daughters and five sons of Clabe and Leora Wilson of rural Perry and the fraternal twin of Dale Wilson.
Dale was killed in action in November 1943 off the Pacific Ocean island of New Guinea, with two of her brothers also making the ultimate sacrifice — Junior Wilson in a plane crash in Texas in 1944 and Danny Wilson, who was shot down over Austria in February 1945. Her other two brothers also served and survived the war.
Many members of the Wilson and Scar families, most now living in South Carolina and Colorado, were on hand for the ceremony, which they included as part of a family reunion.
Perry Mayor Jay Pattee read aloud “Band of Brothers” and St. Crispin’s Day, which was followed by the playing of a video showing snapshots of many from Perry who have served or are now serving the nation in the armed forces. He was later joined by wife, Jan Pattee, in signing “Turn, Turn, Turn,” a 1965 hit single by the Byrds that was adapted by Pete Seeger from the book of “Ecclesiastes” in the Bible.
Guest speaker Mike Kelley, former American Legion Post 85 Commander, sprinkled humor throughout his recollections of his service both statewide and in Thailand in 1967-1968.
Perry student Jacob Prombo informed the crowd of the significance of the Veteran’s Day Poppy and then recited “In Flander’s Fields.”
PHS senior Breanna Penenger enthralled those gathered with a powerful rendition of “Danny Boy,” with a video of tombstones at Violet Hill Cemetery reminding all present of the cost sometimes paid by those who serve.
Powell offered brief closing remarks, with Angel Escobar playing “Taps,” after which the Colors were retired.
A luncheon was held in the PHS gym afterward for the veterans and those attending. The Dallas County Hospital provided the morning refreshments, with Hy-Vee catering the luncheon, with serving offered by members of Crossroads Church and desserts courtesy of the PCSD staff.
Members of the Bluejay Congress, Social Studies Department and Student Activities Department also helped in the production of the event.
