Veterans Honored At School Program

A Veterans Day ceremony was held at the high school on November 11th to honor local vets. On hand for the event were a small number of local veterans who watched as students from the junior high and high school conducted the presentation. Additionally, the band and choir, as well as the Broadus first grade class performed for the gathered audience, while the cheerleaders helped to introduce the vets on hand, as well as presenting and retiring the colors.

Kori Richards, senior classman, spoke to the gathering: When Francis Scott Key wrote the "Star Spangled Banner" over 200 years ago, he called America, "the land of the free and the home of the brave." Those words are as true today as they were then.

Throughout this nation's history, America's soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coastguardsmen have bravely answered the call to defend our freedom, to aid our friends and allies, and to turn back aggressors.

We can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to the more than 650,000 American service members who died in battle or the 1.4 million who were wounded. We can, however, recognize and thank the 25 million veterans still living today.

These words are inscribed on the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C.:

"Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met."

Those words apply equally to many of our World War I, World War II, Vietnam War and Gulf War veterans as well. They apply to today's active duty service members - tomorrow's veterans - who are helping to maintain peace throughout the world.

Today, it is our privilege to say "thank you" to all of America's veterans, to let them know that we appreciate them for their service and honor them for their sacrifices.

The price of freedom is high. We cannot afford to forget those willing to pay it.

Today, we celebrate America's veterans for keeping this Nation "the land of the free and the home of the brave."

Winners of the local Patriot's Pen writing contest were also announced. Patriot's Pen is a writing contest conducted by the VFW for 6th through 8th graders, encouraging participants to reflect on a subject of American history as well as their experiences in American society, and written in a 300-400 word essay.

The theme for the essay this year was "How can I be a good citizen?". Winner of the event was Reuben Kinzer, with second place winner Gracie Gali. Reuben's essay was read on his behalf to the audience by senior classman Corbin Irish; Gracie then followed by reading her essay.

Winning essays have a chance to go on and compete at the regional, state, and nationwide levels, with a cash prize of $5,000 available for the national winner.

Mrs. Rebecca Boman, JH/HS Social Studies and History teacher, then gave a presentation on the definition of a veteran, and why they are honored on Veterans Day.

Savannah Weaver, Broadus Senior, then gave a final send off with a short speech, and the cheerleaders retired the colors.

Veterans Day was initially known as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of "The War to end all wars", or what is now more commonly known as World War 1. In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that November 11th would commemorate Armistice Day on November 11th, the day which hostilities ceased in WW1. In 1938 November 11th became an official holiday, and was considered a day dedicated to the cause of world peace. In 1954, following World War 2 and the Korean War, the holiday was once again amended at the urging of veterans services organizations, and henceforth the day served as a holiday to honor American veterans of all wars.