Moencopi Day School honors local Hopi veterans

Moencopi Day School students April Austin, Whitney Manygoats and Joyceline Wero, led by Hopi veteran honor guard commander, Gene Talas (Photo by Hookon Mana).

Moencopi Day School students April Austin, Whitney Manygoats and Joyceline Wero, led by Hopi veteran honor guard commander, Gene Talas (Photo by Hookon Mana).

MOENCOPI-In a moving, early morning ceremony hosted by the students, staff and Governing Board members of Moencopi Day School, a special flag raising was performed by student honor guard consisting of MDS students, April Austin, Whitney Manygoats and Joyceline Wero, led by the Hopi veteran honor guard commander, Gene Talas, in honor of the federally observed Veteran's Day holiday, Monday, November 12th, when the students were out of school.

MDS students were asked to invite local veterans to the special school flag ceremony, with many of the invitees who are the biological or clan uncles, fathers, grandfathers, or older brothers to many of the young students who currently attend Moencopi Day School located in Tuba City.

Gilbert Honahni-Corporal and WWI Veteran served approximately 30 years in the army, Curtis Honahni- SMSGT-Air Force 84-2005, Wayne Kuwanhyoima-Corporal US Marines Corps and Vietnam Veteran 66-68, Leroy Sakiestewa-82nd Airborne Division (Paratrooper) and Korean War Veteran from 52-1955, Gene Talas-Chief Master Sargeant in the Air Force for 30 years, Donnie McNac-Staff Sargeant US Air Force for 10 years, Ronald Silas-US Army, Honorably Discharged in 1996, all Hopi tribal members, represented the various arms of United States military service.

MDS Principal, Leroy Shingoitewa thanked each veteran who attended the morning service for honoring the Tuba City and Moencopi communities and for their individual service, patriotism and protection in serving their country and home villages.

The MDS students then invited the visiting Hopi vets inside to their elementary school to hear about their varied military service, view service photographs and war memorabilia brought in for this special day.

The students also hosted a morning "appreciation" meal with the Hopi vets.

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