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GHS Ecology Group Plans Veterans Tribute Press Release |
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Dateline: GCISD - October 8, 2001 7:19 PM Ecology students at Grapevine High school will host a star-spangled celebration of veterans on Oct. 16 that will feature a brunch at 10 a.m, the unveiling of the “Freedom Trail” in the school’s ecocenter at 11 a.m., and at 12:15 p.m., a special tribute to survivors of the USS Indianapolis, which was sunk in the Philippine Sea during World War II. This is the second year that the Ecology Club has honored veterans with a special event. Last year, students celebrated the dedication of the Veteran’s Memorial Garden. Designed and constructed by members of the Ecology Club at GHS, the “Freedom Trail,” is a brick walkway through the Memorial Garden, inscribed with names of combat veterans who were killed in action. Sherri Steward, GHS teacher and sponsor of the Ecology Club said the students spent many hours on the walkway and inscribed bricks were sold for $20 each. “The students each picked a soldier, sailor or nurse and learned everything they could about that person,” explained Sherri. “They raised the money, laid the walkway and each student laid his or her own brick inscribed with their veteran’s name.” Paul Murphy, chairman of the USS Indianapolis Survivors Association, and three Texas survivors of the USS Indianapolis will be the guest speakers for the special tribute, as they tell their unforgettable story of July 30, 1945. The USS Indianapolis had just delivered components of the atomic bomb, when it was torpedoed and sunk. After five days at sea, suffering from exposure and brutal shark attacks, only 317 of her 1,196 crew members survived. Also at the tribute, veterans of World War II who were not able to graduate from high school, will have an opportunity to receive high school diplomas from Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. Interested veterans should fill out a brief application at the district Administration building, 3051 Ira E. Woods Avenue and will need to show documentation of their military service. In addition to the WWII survivors, Steward expects veterans from the Korean War, Desert Storm and Vietnam to attend. “This year’s celebration should be especially meaningful and emotional in light of the probable participation in war for the United States,” she said. “These survivors of the USS Indianapolis and Pearl Harbor, as well as those who lost their lives remain as lasting reminders that freedom isn’t free.” For more information about any of the three Oct. 16 events, please contact Sherri Steward, 817/251-5210 or by email at sherri.steward@gcisd.net. For information about the veteran’s diplomas, call the Public Information office at 817/251-5505.
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