WASHINGTON, Ill. – Washington Community High School is honoring the city’s remaining World War Two veteran on Veteran’s Day.
102-year-old Max Tessier enlisted in 1943 and served for three years, including 18 months in the South Pacific and the Philippines. After the military, Tessier worked as an Ag teacher at Roanoke-Benson High School, as well as a principal and superintendent. He returned to education for a second time after his retirement, becoming an Ag teacher for Metamora Township High School.
Tessier was honored at a ceremony Tuesday morning that included songs from the WCHS chorus, and a proclamation read by Mayor Lilija Stevens.
Tessier says he’s proud of his military service.
“It means I did a lot of good work for somebody,” Tessier said. “I was glad I was in, glad I served, and glad I could say I served in service for three years.”
WCHS Superintendent Kyle Freeman says the ceremony gave students a chance to see “living history.”
“To have the opportunity to see somebody who lived through the things that they study in History class and school in general,” Freeman said. “I think it’s been an amazing opportunity for both our students and our staff.”
The ceremony also included a $1,000 donation to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight from students who sold flags with the names of veterans on them.
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