From the very beginning, the staff at GreatNews.Life has been honored to feature the stories of the many brave men and women who have served our country. Whether it be speeches, performances, programs, or anything in between, we have captured many heartfelt and inspiring services honoring local veterans over the years. Today, we’re excited to share many of these stories with you from when we were just starting out in 2009, spotlighting incredible veterans around the Valparaiso community on Valpo.Life.
Take a look at the videos below to see some of our favorite veteran celebrations and recognitions from our earlier days! Be sure to give them a watch and share them with the veterans in your life.
Rotary Club Veterans Day Program
In 2009, the Rotary Club held its annual Veteran's Day program at Strongbow's to honor our nation's veterans and the great service they performed for our country. The event featured guest speaker Quentin Smith and music from the Valparaiso High School band. Smith (1919–2013) was an American airman who served as a B-25 bombardier with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.
Kiwanis Veterans Day Presentation
The Kiwanis Club of Valparaiso organized a spectacular presentation on Veteran's Day to honor those who have served and fought and to reminisce about veterans' past experiences. Lunch was provided by Strongbow's and the main speaker was a Vietnam War veteran who put together a picture slideshow of his experiences in Vietnam.
Benjamin Franklin Veteran's Day Convocation
Benjamin Franklin Middle School hosted a Veteran's Day Convocation to honor those who have served and fought for the precious freedom that we have in our country today. Student speakers, the orchestra, and the choir were all included in what was termed by one Benjamin Franklin student as a celebration.
Wings of Freedom Tour Finds True Veteran Ray Larson
The Collings Foundation's Wings of Freedom Tour came to the Porter County Airport July 26-28, and many came to see three of the most important aircraft of World War II: the B-17 Flying Fortress, the B-24 Liberator, and the P-51 Mustang. Ray Larson, who is on the board of directors at Task Force Tips, flew the P-51 and P-40 in the years after Pearl Harbor but hasn't flown one since, until today.
TJ Middle School Veterans Day Program
Thomas Jefferson Middle School had its annual Veterans Day program and we were there to listen to Shire Kuch, Captain in the United States Army, speak on what it means to be a hero.
Let us spotlight your veterans! We at Valpo.Life and GreatNews.Life continue to spotlight the courageous acts of local veterans through our Veteran Spotlight series. Once a month, we feature a new and heartfelt article about a veteran’s journey, and we want to spotlight your veteran next! To nominate a veteran for the series, please email share@greatnews.life. We can’t wait to share their inspiring story!