Eight World War II Vets Honored Wednesday

Kathy Snell of Liberty Sewing Circle reads after the eight WWII veterans received their quilts. The vets in the photo, L to R, John Anglin, Paul Haney, Raymond Hartman, Richard Higgins, Jack Horney, Don Shively, Wayne Teeple, and Rex Wildman. (Photo: Nick Deranek/News Now Warsaw)

It was a special day for eight World War II veterans at the Pete Thorn Building Wednesday morning.

More than 100 people were present for the special presentation that was put on by Kosciusko Community Senior Services, Threads of Valor and Liberty Sewing Circle, who hand-made quilts for the veterans.

Kathy Snell, who is one of the founders of the group, says this presentation is being held early to commemorate the ending of the war, which took place on September 2nd, 1945 after the surrender of Japan in August.

The eight veterans that were honored include John Anglin, Paul Haney, Raymond Hartman, Richard Higgins, Jack Horney, Don Shively, Wayne Teeple, and Rex Wildman.

Higgins was one of the veterans featured on News Now Warsaw’s public affairs program, In The Know, and said receiving one of the quilts was a great honor.

As each veteran received their quilt, Snell read off a bio of that recipient, which included where they were born, what branch of the armed forces they served in and for what years, what their rank was when they were discharged, and where they were stationed during the war.

Other speakers of the day included David Wolkins from the Indiana House of Representatives District 18, who had some special, and at times, funny stories about a few of the men sitting at the table.

Before the presentation started, the Kosciusko Extension Chorus sang patriotic songs and sang the National Anthem to kick off the ceremonies. The American Legion Post 49 from Warsaw presented the colors.

After the presentation was done, the veterans posed for a group photo before enjoying the company of each other, their family and friends for lunch.