Local Veterans Respected at 3rd Annual Ceremony
November 18, 2009 • written by Samantha Hartfiel
In honor of the fighting men and women of our country, Park High School hosted the 3rd annual Veterans Day assembly on November 11th to commemorate local veterans. The entire school was able to display their respect for veterans as soldiers from the Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and the War on Terror, assembled in the gymnasium for an hour long assembly in their honor. The ceremony included orations from a member of the JROTC, music from the band and choir, and a speech by Colonel Eric D. Ahlness from the Minnesota National Guard.
The ceremony began with the presentation of the colors from members of the JROTC, symbolizing the seriousness of the occasion and exhibiting respect for one of the Armed Forces revered traditions. Next, the veterans, who were guests of honor, were welcomed into the gymnasium by uproarious applause from the student body and walked underneath sword arches held up by the Park High School Saber Team. While the veterans varied in age from young to very elderly and were from various components of the Armed Forces, it could be seen that they all shared respect for one another as they convened in the gym. Senator Katie Sieben and several members of the school board were also in attendance, showing their deference for the valiant men and women.
Students involved in band and choir were able to demonstrate their admiration by experiencing the opportunity to perform for the assembly. The band, dressed in their beautiful formal attire played “The Star Spangled Banner”, all anthems for the Armed Forces, and “God Bless America” during the assembly while under the direction of new director Mr. Bergman. The choir, also dressed in their formal green robes, sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” crisply and harmonically, under the direction of pristine choir director Mr. O’ Conner. Both groups were very talented and epitomized the “thank you’s” from the student body and staff to the guests of honor.
Unfortunately, according to some teachers and students, the behavior displayed by the audience was less than honorable.
“I was very disappointed with the behavior of some of the students,” English teacher Ms. Block frowns, “I was glaring at some talking students hoping that they would show some respect. Several students need to realize that the ceremony is not a Pep Fest and that respect for these brave people is expected. The disrespect of a few overshadowed the majority.”
Another student admitted to hearing a peer booing the veterans as they walked into the gymnasium.
“I thought that the person booing was very rude. Even if you do not agree with war it does not make it okay to boo a veteran. It was just unnecessary,” the anonymous student grimaced.
However, overall the observance was an admirable display for the veterans, which was hopefully well received by the courageous men and women. Veterans are very important to the history of the United States and deserve this national holiday celebrating their dedication and strife for American rights and citizens. The assembly held by Park is a very honorable tradition that should continue in the decades to come.
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