Veterans’ service lauded by students
“Strive to give 15 percent more everyday of yourself.”
Jock Davis
The gymnasium at Pea Ridge High School was filled with heroes on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11. Each were present to take part in the annual Veteran’s Day assembly sponsored by the Student Council.
Soldiers, sailors, marines and other veterans assembled, some in wheel chairs, some assisted by a cane, some wore their dress uniforms — starched and ironed, shoes and buttons polished, others attended in civilian clothes with only a ball cap or a familiar tattoo signifying their service.
As guests found their seats, introductions were made and anecdotes exchanged between comrades who share an irrevocable bond. Following performances by the PRHS band and choir, Pea Ridge Middle School band and choir and Pea Ridge Intermediate School’s Select Choir, veterans in each branch of the military were recognized for their sacrifice and presented with a certificate of recognition.
Guest speaker and Arkansas native Jock Davis then took the stage. In 1941, Davis enlisted in the Army at the ripe (and prohib- ited) age of 17. Following a 31-day voyage across the sea, he went on to serve in both New Guinea and the Philippines amid the peak of World War II. He remembers seeing General MacArthur appear from his headquarters each morning in Luzon, Philippines, to salute his troops and leave in a weapons carrier, with locals “bowing down before him as he rode by.”
After pursuing a degree at Arkansas Tech University, Davis re-enlisted to fight in the Korean Conflict. Still passionate about the armed forces, he went on to join the National Guard after serving.
“I loved every minute of my service,” he said.
Overall, Davis devoted 37 years to the military. In that time, he earned a combat ribbon with three battle stars for his service in the South Pacific as well as a Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding service overall.
Now, at the age of 91, Davis has authored a book titled “The Brothers Four: Reliving the Great Depression and World War II.” This memoir recounts his experiences growing up during the Great Depression and chronicles the time that he and his brothers spent serving the United States in WWII.
An exemplary self-made man, Davis offered a few words of advice to the young people in attendance before leaving the stage.
“If you don’t send a ship out, how can you expect to get a ship in?” he asked. “Strive to give 15 percent more everyday of yourself. You’ll be surprised what it does for you.”
Bill Snow Sr. was also recognized during the ceremony for his time served in the Navy during the Korean War. He was presented with a plaque to formally declare him Grand Marshal of the Veteran’s Parade by his grandson and parade organizer, Chris Snow.
The veterans assembly is annually sponsored by the Student Council. Refreshments were served in the gym lobby after the assembly.