9-12 BAND …The high school band then played “A Salute to Service” and veterans rose for recognition as their branch’s song was being played. (PHOTOS BY AMY WENDT, STAFF)
By: Amy Wendt
Students honored five area veterans in the Pettisville Local School auditorium during the school’s 2022 Veterans Day Ceremony held on Friday, November 11.
Landon Webb and Jalen Thompson opened the morning by leading the Pledge of Allegiance while the 9 – 12 band followed up with the National Anthem.
Mr. Adam Wagner, Junior High and High School Principal, welcomed the audience by saying. “You will notice that we have students from the elementary, junior high, and high school present today.”
“We believe it is imperative that all generations honor and remember those who have fought and served our nation to preserve our freedom. ”
“While we should never take those freedoms for granted, it is important to remember why our brave men and women fought for freedom.”
“Many of us have become aware of the sacrifices families have made and continue to make in order for us to live in a free society.”
“It is important for us to come together as a community to thank those who took great risks and to remember those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms.”
“Today, we honor the brave citizen heroes who have unselfishly supported our nation in defense of our freedoms. We pause to observe Veterans Day.”
Logen Dominique and Joe VanDenBerghe shared the meaning and tradition of the POW/MIA Table that was displayed in the auditorium.
WHAT A VETERAN MEANS TO ME … Sophomore Grace Remington offered an essay to the audience.
“The manner in which the table is decorated is full of special symbols,” explained Dominique.
The high school band played “A Salute to Service” and veterans rose for recognition as their branch’s song was being played.
Following the musical performance, Kali DelGado, an 8th grader, shared her essay entitled “Superheroes,” and sophomore Grace Remington offered her essay “What a Veteran Means to Me.”
The ceremony was concluded by the playing of “Taps” by Senior Kate Roth.
Following the assembly, Mr. Wagner commented, “It was impressive to see our students of all grade levels lead our school in a Veterans Day program.”
“It’s not easy to get in front of the student body and speak, but we had elementary, junior high, and high school students all step outside of their comfort zones to pay tribute to our citizen heroes, and I couldn’t be prouder of all of them.”
“Thank you to all who played a role in the development of this program! We hope next year, we will be able to serve more veterans at our breakfast!”
Amy can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com