It was a special Veterans Day ceremony for a number of reasons as hundreds of students, veterans and guests packed the RHS gym.
First, because Sunday is the 100th anniversary of World War I. Observances of that date, first called Armistice Day, led to the creation of what is now Veterans Day.
Second, the speaker was Zakiya James, a 2006 RHS graduate who joined the Army and went on to serve eight years and was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan.
She was introduced by retired Army Lt. Col. Art Free. James was a former student of Free’s.
James talked about her Army experience and how it has helped shape her life.
“Serving in war builds bonds with brothers and sisters like no other,” she said.
‘NO GLORIFYING’—
Free, himself a veteran of deployment to Iraq, reminded the crowd that Veterans Day does not glorify war but honors the men and woman who know its horrors more than anyone.
He praised the sacrifices made by the honorees and the dedication of younger persons who are stepping up to become veterans of the future.
Free listed American wars since World War I and invited veterans from those eras to stand and be recognized.
MUSIC—Elementary students under the direction of Karen Laughlin, sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Fifty Nifty United States.”
Intermediate students, under the direction of Leslie Hasselbach, sang “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” (third grade), “God Bless America” (fourth grade); and “God Bless the USA” (sixth grade).
ANTHEMS—Combined high school and junior-high bands, under the direction of Adrian Acevedo and Marco Estrada, played U.S. military service anthems and veterans from each branch were invited to stand and be recognized.
Students holding banners were: Stephanie Ceja, Navy; Kaylee Criswell, Army; Angel Hollan, Marines; Preston Debault, Coast Guard; McKade Casas, Air Force.
Band member Adrian Rubio played “Taps” to close out the ceremony.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6525 and its Auxiliary presented the annual Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen awards after winning students read their essays. (Photos on this page).
PROGRAM—Also on the program were:
Courtney Eoff, played guitar and sang “Angel Flight”; Jackson Perry, invocation; Brandyn Gibson, Claire Jenkins, presentation and retiring of colors.
Stephani Pantaleon, Pledge of Allegiance; Devon Whitsel, Mason Monzingo, Marine Castillo, flag-folding ceremony; Sabrina Pantaleon, benediction.
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