The annual Veteran’s Day assembly was held on Nov. 8 after the traditional veteran’s breakfast. Students took part in serving and in the assembly to honor those who served.
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Americans celebrated Veterans Day. Veterans Day was celebrated as the ending of World War I, the war that was supposed to end all wars. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, but Representative Edward Rees proposed to change its name to honor all veterans. Veterans Day is celebrated by all.
The assembly started off with a speech by Superintendent Scott Gemes. Gemes soon handed it over to Keira Mostaffa, who read the poem “We Honor You Today” by Susan Smith. Mostaffa explains how she was very nervous but also excited when she was asked to recite this poem.
“I was very nervous when Ms. Swisher asked me to read the poem at the assembly, but also super excited that I was getting the opportunity to read at our biggest assembly,” Mostaffa said.
A video of many elementary students played over the screen, as they honored the veterans for their service and bravery. The video was followed by senior student body president introducing the guest speaker, Sergeant Major Patrick Ray, by Jaxson Deckard.
Sergeant Major Ray has been serving in the military for over 26 years with 18 of them being in active duty. Sergeant Major Ray shared his experiences with the students and teachers, and encouraged many to join the military. Sergeant Ray also introduced a WHS ‘22 graduate Kaylee Lawson. Sergeant Lawson shared some experiences and missions that she has been on these past few years.
Their speeches were followed by the band performing “Of Land and Sea,” junior Brayden Henderson reciting “Take Me Home,” and the choir closing out with “American Heroes: A Salute to the Armed Forces.”
Student council sponsor Bobbi Swisher and the student council were in charge of getting ready for the assembly. Swisher was very pleased with the way this assembly was executed.
“I was pleased with the outcome. The student council did a great job this year,” Swisher said.
The assembly was an opportunity to honor veterans like Daryl Boyd, who is a WHS dad. Boyd was part of the Navy. He was deployed on Operation Enduring Freedom on Nov. 12, 2002. Boyd’s daughter, Alyssa Boyd, shares a story on the day he signed up for the Navy.
“The day that he went to sign up for the Navy was on 9/11. While he was signing up, people questioned him on whether he still wanted to do it, because the towers were falling at that moment,” Alyssa Boyd said.
