Early morning on December 7, 2023, the six Honor Guard cadets of Heritage School’s 70th Infantry Division held a ceremony remembering the “Day of Infamy” when the Japanese sneak attack at Pearl Harbor forced the United State’s entry into World War II.
Under the command of Captain Flint Yegge the Honor Guard team placed a wreath, and saluted the memory of those who sacrificed 82 years ago in Hawaii. The team hoisted the American flag and “World War II America Remembers” flag to half-staff according to a Congressional directive passed back in 1994. The Heritage Honor Guard, a subsidiary of Kiwanis Builders Club, works to preserve the memory of those who have paid the ultimate price by raising nearly $7,000 for the Tunnel to Towers Charity. These funds went to support the families of fallen military and first responders. The 70th Honor Guard performed honors for local hero and America’s leading jet ace, Captain Joesph McConnell at the Victorville Memorial Park Cemetery in January 2024. McConnell was from the High Desert, Apple Valley, and was credited with shooting down 16 MIG-15s during the Korean War in his F-86 Sabre Jet making him America’s only triple jet ace. A record that still stands today. Captain McConnell also served previously in World War II. McConnell was tragically killed at Edwards Air Force Base during a test flight in 1954.
The Heritage Honor Guard team consists of a terrific leadership team of Flint Yegge, Stryder Bom, Collin Gormley, Aleksa Yegge, Ella Matthews, and Ronson Leach. Their advisor is Mr. Todd Anton, longtime History teacher at The Heritage School.
