The Worth County School recognized all of the veterans during the Veterans Day Program Monday. Included were all the living World War II Vets; the number of known living World War II Vets from Worth County totals 14. Among them was Wilbur Osborne, who will turn 102 years old next month. He is one of Worth County’s oldest residents. He captained a ship off the coast of Japan and saved hundreds of lives through his actions when a typhoon arose.
Afterwards, one of his sailors wrote a letter to Osborne’s wife, which was read at the Veterans Day Assembly Monday. In it, he described “12 hours of raging hell.” They first tried to anchor their ship, without success. So Osborne ordered the ship out into the sea to avoid damaging other craft. The storm got worse and worse; the radio went out and there was no headlights. The only navigation they could go by was their radar. The barometer went down as low as 29.
Finally, Osborne ordered the crew to take the ship into the eye of the storm. At one point, at 10 pm at night, he ordered all hands to their lifejackets as the ship plowed through one huge wave after another. The ship’s engine’s rpm was running much higher than it was supposed to be, and it was barely making headway through the storm. But somehow, the ship stayed afloat, and by 3 am, while it was still stormy out, the worst was over. The ship had survived the ordeal with no casualties.
The sailor wrote that Osborne deserved all the credit for saving lives that night. “He was calm and steady as a rock,” that sailor wrote. “Many other captains in his place would have panicked.”
The Worth County VFW and American Legion did a tribute to POW/MIA’s, and Joe Marshall encouraged the people not to forget those who were missing in action.
The meaning of the colors of the American Flag were discussed. White stands for purity and purpose and devotion to duty. Red stands for courage, while blue stands for truth and fidelity. The evergreen is a symbol of everlasting life.
Elementary Principal Chuck Borey, who welcomed the assembly, said that World War I, which ended on the 11th hour on the 11th day on the 11th month 100 years ago Sunday, involved the first use of chemical weapons. 10 million people died. The US entered the war in 1917. In 1916, there was a lot of speculation that the US would be involved in the conflict, but the enemy was assumed to be Mexico, with which the US had fought a war with in the 1840’s, and with which tensions were high. However, the US went to war with Germany and its allies after the Germans had refused to respect US neutrality and were sinking passenger ships. The US entry tipped the balance in the Allies’ favor, and by 1918, the war was over.
The High School Band played the Star Spangled Banner. The Kindergarten through 3rd Grade sang, “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” The 4th through 6th Grades sang, “America the Beautiful.” Elizabeth Brown recited the poem, “Honor the Veteran” by Colan Hiatt. The High School Choir sang, “In Flanders Fields” and “My America.” Student Regan Allee recited the poem “The Silent Ranks” by Priscilla Gott. The High School Band played the Armed Forces March.
Winners of the VFW Essay Contest and the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest were named. VFW Essay Contest winners were Tanner Ridge and Taylor Sanders. Winners of the Voice of Democracy Contest were Merrideth Spiers and Lauren Moore. Teacher Jonell Cook was recognized for winning the State VFW’s Teacher of the Year Award.
Student Jeremy Wimer sang a song about Private Malone, about a private who got a brand new Corvette, but who was called off to Vietnam in 1966, didn’t make it home, and never got to use it. The car stood unused until many years later, when another kid got to enjoy it, and Private Malone was there in spirit. Finally, the kid drove it too fast and totaled it, and was trapped inside. Witnesses said that they saw an unknown man come up to the car and pull him out, saving his life.
The raising of the flag on Iwo Jima, one of the most iconic moments of World War II, was recreated by Worth County students.
Trenton Gabriel sang, “Ballad of the Green Beret.” Student Josh Freed recited, “That Ragged Old Flag” by Johnny Cash. Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz gave closing remarks, and students Jeremy Wimer and Aivry Griffin played “Taps.”
A reception was held for vets following the program. State Representative Allen Andrews spoke briefly. “On behalf of all the constituents of this district, I would like to give a huge heartfelt thank you for what you have done,” he said. “This event was truly remarkable.”
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