HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Holland’s 81st annual Veterans Day Observance emphasized gratitude and hope.
Attendees heard performances by Holland High’s wind ensemble and choirs, and Vocal Dimensions, and were addressed by several Holland High officials, before key note speaker,
Hope College history professor and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Fred Johnson III told the crowd the story of U.S. Naval Capt. Thomas Hudner Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient for his efforts to save a friend and fellow aviator, Ensign Jesse Brown, during the Korean War’s Battle of Chosin Reservoir. After Brown’s plane was shot down, Hudner intentionally crashed his plane, attempting to save Brown, who succumbed to his injuries. Hudner was white, Brown was black — the two were friends during an era when interracial friendships were unusual. (Hear Friday’s entire ceremony, including Johnson’s talk.)
Johnson made a point of acknowledging and thanking veterans from every era, especially those who served in Vietnam.
See the photo gallery: https://whtc.com/galleries/6312.
Grand Rapids will celebrate Veterans Day with that city’s annual Veterans Day parade on Saturday..
The parade will make its way down Monroe Center Street in the city’s downtown area starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, and ends with a 12:30 with a remembrance ceremony, hosted by the United Veterans Council of Kent County, at Veterans Memorial Park.
