In InTheir Their Memory Memory ByAudrey Yang
About 7.4 percent of the United States population is made up by those who have served in the US military. This year marked the ninety-third anniversary of Veterans Day, and Parker students were able to participate in a unique celebration. Whether it was creating care packages for the military stationed overseas, or hearing a soldier’s story, students had the opportunity to attend multiple workshops on campus in order to honor those who have served our country. “Veterans Day is an opportunity to both honor our own veterans, and to open up the eyes of our students,” said Mr. Paul Barksy, Head of the Upper School, “We are reaching out... to those who helped serve our country and gave tremendous personal, physical, and emotional sacrifices.”
USS Howard
Sergeant Jimmie E. Howard was one of the many United States veterans who risked his life during the Vietnam War. In order to commemorate his leadership and bravery, the USS Howard was named in his honor, and is currently docked at the San Diego Naval Base. Parker high school students were able to take a tour of the 155 meter long ship during Veterans Day. “The students got a
private tour from crew members, saw the inner workings of a destroyer, got to ask questions of young members of the US military, and learned about Sergeant Jimmie Howard,” said Mr. Marc Thiebach, Assistant Head of the Upper School. Students were also exposed to the history and technology of the 13-year-old ship. “We learned about naval terms..., how the ship operates out on sea, what its job is, and explored places that most people wouldn’t get to see, like the [ship’s] bridge,” says freshman Daven Horne. “[This experience] taught us about that great, rich American history that we all share.”
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary
Established in 1934, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is located near the San Diego Bay, and is a final resting place for many United States soldiers. During Veterans Day, students had the opportunity to observe historical landmarks in the park and pay trib-
ute to those who died for our country. “We honored [our veterans] by looking around and being respectful,” said sophomore Annaleis Giovannetti. The cemetery was also filled with people who were visiting the graves of family members. “You get a really powerful perspective when you’re walking amongst all those tombs, [since] there’s 250,000 people buried there,” said Mr. Tom Crowley, the Upper School Social Studies Department Chair. “And looking over the bay, looking out over the military installments down below, it was a pretty powerful effect.”