Nov. 11 program brings students and veterans together

Subfreezing temperatures didn’t keep local veterans from the Nov. 11 Veterans Day program at Holyoke JR/SR High. Granted, that shouldn’t come as a surprise when their background is taken into consideration. Among the bunch, there were men and women who saw Desert Storm, the Vietnam and Korean wars, and even World War II. Some of them may be getting up there in age, but they sure don’t seem like the type to let a bit of weather get in their way.

Students and staff started Monday off by serving breakfast to the veterans in the high school commons. While the pancakes, bacon, and biscuits and gravy appeared to hit the spot, it looked like the conversation was even more

enjoyable. Veterans spent the hour visiting with one another, their fellow community members and wide-eyed students — some not much younger than they were when they joined the military.

Though the rest of us can only imagine what tales were told over breakfast, one veteran’s story was shared with everyone at the subsequent program in the auditorium. Mike Hardy, Vietnam veteran and co-author of “117 Days,” spoke to students and other guests about his experiences leading up to his high school graduation, being drafted into the Army and being sent to Vietnam.

Hardy moved to Holyoke when he was in fourth grade, the same age as the youngest students in the audience. Compared to Fleming, he said, Holyoke was like a metropolis. He played football on the same field that’s still used now, and his basketball team played in the old gym, which was the new gym at the time.

He had the kind of experiences that are universal to students, whether 50 years ago or today. What differed was the Vietnam War that was happening in the background.

As Hardy progressed through high school he saw older students join the military, and he began to be more aware of the war. His older brother, he recalled, got a new car and his draft notice at the same time, and that made Hardy even more aware of what his future may hold.

In his senior year, Hardy understood that he could go to college and be draft exempt, but he decided to volunteer to be drafted. He viewed it as his “ticket out,” a chance to get into the world.

Students listened with rapt attention as Hardy told of his first Army haircut and basic training, which he likened to eight weeks of two-a-days  in football. He spoke about the weapons he was issued and being sent to Vietnam. He told a story that illustrated that you never know when you’ll run into another Holyoke person, even on the other side of the globe.

Hardy concluded his address with the story of his first ambush, which to him, marked the first time he really felt welcomed to the unit. Though Hardy was modest about his own role, program emcee Steve Millage made sure that everyone in attendance knew that as the point on patrols, Hardy had one of the most dangerous jobs there was.

Also speaking at the Nov. 11 program were high school students Haley Van Overbeke, Max Kleve and Erick Marroquin. They wrote the winning Voice of Democracy speeches, which can be read on Page ??. Michael Pell also wrote one of the top speeches but was unable to attend the Veterans Day program.

On the junior high level, students participated in the Patriot’s Pen essay contest. First place on the local level went to Wyatt Sprague, followed by Anna Hayes, Adison Goldenstein, Leah Struckmeyer and Andrea Marquez. All five advanced to the district competition as well.

Interspersed among the speeches given Monday morning were several musical numbers. The select choir sang the national anthem, and the high school band played “Marches of the Armed Forces,” giving veterans a chance to stand and be recognized when their branch’s official song was played. The junior high choir sang “On Veterans Day,” and Mason Vernon played taps.