Veteran's Day 2017

     Today was a solemn day in the school today as we reinstated an important tradition that had been lost in 2012, due to Hurricane Sandy.  The students of the high school were treated to an assembly about the service, experiences and heroism of some of our local military veterans. 

     I stood in the back of the auditorium as the entire school stood for the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.  Our first speaker was our Vice Principal who spoke about her life experience being the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and what Veteran's Day meant to her.  Her ultimate feelings about the day spoke to the fact that she felt it was "silly" to have only one day a year to honor all that veterans have done for this great country.

     Our next speaker was retired Army captain and Iraqi war veteran, and our very own 7th grade English teacher and department chair.  He shared with the assembly all the things he carries with him as a result of being in combat and serving this country.  He ended his speech with challenging those in attendance to make the ultimate sacrifice and to in some way serve this country, not necessarily by joining the service, but by doing something to make a difference.  it was the first time I heard him speak about his time in the army and it was quite moving.

     The following speaker was our current Board President and retired 82nd Airborne division Vietnam veteran.  He was awarded the purple heart, the bronze star and several other military honors for his service.  He spoke of a world that rejected him and his fellow brothers in arms, a world that did not appreciate the sacrifice that he had made for their freedoms.  A different perspective from a veteran of a different war. This however, in no way tarnished the pride he felt for this great nation and all those who served with him.  He spoke of the affects of PTSD and the needs of the veterans, many too proud to ask for assistance.

     The overall purpose of the assembly was to heighten the awareness of all in attendance, of what veterans and enlisted soldiers do to insure that we can all continue to do what we do today.  Being the nephew and godchild of two deceased military veterans, and the friend of many who have served and still serve, I feel that this assembly is one that needs to take place every year.

     God Bless America!  God Bless our Veterans, keep them safe and Thank You for your service TODAY AND EVERYDAY!!!

YoJoe!