Honoring Their Service

Jann's parents, Herb and Iris Densten, listen to speakers at the Veterans Day service at Madison (Indiana) Consolidated High School on Friday. The Denstens met in an officers’ club in the Philippines during the second World War. (Staff photo by Ken Ritchie)

Following is the story as it appeared in the Madison Courier:

11/10/2007 9:00:00 AM
Honoring their Service

Laura Halleman Courier Staff Writer

Vigorous applause greeted each military veteran as one-by-one their names were read and they stood in recognition of their service to their country Friday at Madison Consolidated High School's Veterans Day program.

The annual event was an opportunity for residents and students to show their appreciation and support for local veterans.

"We owe so much to the unselfish men and women who have fought for our freedom around the world," Mayor Al Huntington said. "They are true heroes, not sports figures, not comedians, not music stars." He added that he was not a veteran and didn't have a good understanding of them early in life, but encouraged students in attendance to remember veterans of all wars.

The MCHS Band played patriotic songs and the MCHS choir sang as excerpts such as one from Winston Churchill were read to the crowd.

Two military veterans on hand at the program were Herb and Iris Densten. While in their 20s, the Denstens met on a blind date while serving their country.

Herb was a flyer with the fighter squadron P51 Mustang and Iris was an Army nurse stationed in the Philippines, where they met during WWII at a dance at an officers' club.

"There wasn't much else to go to on a date," Herb said. "Manila was a pile of rubble at that time."

The couple had planned on being married when they returned to the United States, but chose to marry in the Philippines due to the possibility that Iris would be put back into activity instead of returning home with Herb.

The couple moved to Madison (from New Jersey) in April to be closer to their children.

The ceremony closed out with wreath presentation by Boy Scout Troop 717 and a standing ovation for the veterans.

"I truly thank them for their service," Mayor elect Tim Armstrong said. "Sometimes we take for granted what we have, but when you realize what all of those who have served and are serving in the military are sacrificing for us it puts things into perspective."