Community

Marietta honors its veterans

Amelia Jenkins, Editor-In-Chief of Print Newspaper • November 28, 2023

Photo by Amelia

AFJROTC students present an American flag o the audience. The flag was passed to Mr. David Tigs, an MHS alumni and veteran.

Veterans Day, a day that honors the countless men and women who have fought for our country, was celebrated on Nov. 11. Marietta High School, which employs several veterans, celebrated it with an assembly led by Lieutenant Colonel James T. Wilson and Marietta’s AFJROTC. During the assembly, a sacred tradition was honored; presenting a folded flag to a veteran who has graduated from Marietta High School. David Tigs, who served in both the Navy and the Army Air Force, was presented with this flag. Junior RTC Unit Georgia 20021 of Marietta High School presented the flag to Mr. Tigs.

The American Flag is handed to Mr. David Tigs for his service to the country. (Amelia)

Mr. Tigs enlisted and attended basic training at Naval Training Center Orlando, shortly after graduating. From there, his career continued on as he learned his specific skill for the navy, and was assigned to an aircraft. After that, he finished off his career in the Navy as a weapons instructor, and achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He then continued his military career in the United States Army where he was assigned to Charlie Company 151st Aviation Lakota helicopter unit. During his time spent in service he earned two good conduct awards, three Navy achievement medals, and three army commodation medals. He retired from the army in December 2013 after reaching the rank of Sergeant First Class.

In addition to honoring Mr. Tigs, several other celebrations occurred such as honoring all veterans who were Marietta staff members and the Marietta High School Chamber Choir singing “Thank you Soldiers” and many other armed services songs.

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About the Contributor

Amelia Jenkins, Editor-In-Chief of Print Newspaper

Amelia Jenkins is a full IB Diploma Programme student at Marietta High School. She is currently in her junior year at Marietta and serves as the Editor-In-Chief of the print newspaper for The Pitchfork as well as a Georgia Scholastic Press Association Student Ambassador. She is also an active student council member and is the current Student Body Publicity Chair for Marietta. In addition to being involved in the Marietta High School community, she has joined the IB Film pathway and wants to continue learning about film and communications through the next two years. After school, she dances at Georgia Dance Conservatory, located on the historic Marietta Square, and also is a new student teacher there. In addition, she is a company member of Georgia Metro Dance Theater participating in many performances throughout the year and spreading joy and love through her dancing. When not dancing, you can often find her curled up with an exciting book, spending time with her friends and family, or finding ways to become more connected with the Marietta High School community. After High School, Amelia plans to study entertainment and media/journalism in college and pursue a career in the communications/film industry.