Honoring our veterans at West Harrison High

Today was West Harrison High School’s sixth annual Veterans Day Ceremony put on by the JROTC cadets.
The West Harrison High School gym was packed with American pride as teachers, students, and their family members gathered to honor the United States military, remembering those who have served and continue to serve our country in uniform, including one World War II veteran.
It’s the smallest gesture to say ‘thank you for your service.’ A ceremony honoring our veterans put on by the West Harrison JROTC cadets of the Hurricane Battalion to commemorate the contributions they have done for our country. JROTC Cadet Steven Huckabee said, “I feel like it’s a very big honor to get to help honor our veterans because they really do deserve it.”
Retired Air Force and Army Veteran Robert Mixon said, “It’s great. It really is appreciative to be recognized for our sacrifices. Gave you the chance to be free.”
Cadets, students, and staff recognized all branches of our military, applauding their service and specially recognizing Jim Highton, a 92-year-old World War II veteran. “He honored me. He had me standup. I’m the only World War II veteran in here and I told him, I said, you really know how to make an old man cry,” said Highton.
Highton joined the Navy when he was just a 16-year-old high schooler himself. He was only making $21 a month. Even through so much pain brought on by war, Highton says it’s an experience he will never forget. “I spent eight years in the Navy and during World War II, I island hopped with Marines and it was a great experience and I would be glad to do it all over again.”
Both Highton and Mixon say it’s amazing to see how communities come together every year just to say thank you for all their sacrifices they’ve done for our freedom.