Wilkes Teaches Huntingdon Historical Society About the Armed Forces

HUNTINGDON (November 19) — The Huntingdon Historical Society met Wednesday to hear Mr. Hershel Wilkes present an informational program honoring the military and recognizing Veterans Day.

Wilkes, a military veteran himself, served two years of active duty. He spent the last eleven months of his service in Vietnam as an Infantry Squad Leader. Upon his homecoming, he joined the Tennessee National Guard, of which he remained a member for 34 years before his retirement.

Wilkes’ presentation began as a historical lecture, teaching all in attendance about each branch of the military, their structures, duties and cultures. The second half of his presentation was a tribute to the veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

“On June 14th, 1775, the Continental Congress established a regular army. Over 250 years since, over 41 million men and women have worn the service uniform,” said Wilkes. “Those 41 million [people] who have served their country well and honorably…deserve our praise, our remembrance and our gratitude for the sacrifices they have made.”

Huntingdon High School vocational students from the Carroll County Technical Center’s marketing class attended Wilkes’ presentation, marking the first day of the class’ collaboration with the Huntingdon Historical Society. Hillary Clifft, marketing teacher, assisted student Colt Luther in recording the presentation for the society’s YouTube channel. She will teach her class the skills needed to grow the Huntingdon Historical Society’s digital presence.

The Huntingdon Historical Society will not meet in December. The next meeting is in January, and Joe Norval will be the featured speaker.