Vietnam Vet Will Speak at Smyrna Private School for Veteran's Day

Staff Report

In celebration of Veterans Day, Whitefield Academy will welcome veteran Captain Ed Ettel of the United States Navy and his wife, Mary to speak at the school’s fifth annual Veterans Day Chapel on Nov. 7, 2014. Ettel served in the military from 1963 -1989 during the Vietnam War and the Cold War. The Ettels are founders of the Project Mail Call Mission, an organization which provides a direct and personal method to contact and send customized care-boxes and letters to U.S. airmen, Marines, members of the Coast Guard, sailors, and soldiers serving overseas.

During the service, the couple will share stories highlighting the significance of Veterans Day and why Americans should celebrate and recognize armed services. During the chapel, there will be a presentation of the colors by Boy Scout Troop 554 and performances of “Armed Forces Medley” and “The Star Spangled Banner” by the Lower School Chorale and Middle School Choir. Student speakers will also share from selected patriotic readings. Following the service, attending veterans will be honored at a reception.

Whitefield Academy invites surrounding communities to join them in honoring service members past and present.