Assembly to honor veterans, residents encouraged to attend

To honor our nation’s veterans, Lind-Ritzville High School’s annual Veterans Day assembly will be held Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 1:30 p.m. at Gilson Gymnasium. All community members are encouraged to attend.

The assembly will feature a re-dedication of the gym’s new automated flag in honor of all veterans, presentation of the colors by VFW Color Guard, several patriotic speeches and the introduction of local veterans.

Musical contributions will include student Katheran Gingrich’s rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner”, Sharon Anderson’s presentation of “Taps”, and the second, third, and fourth grade classes’ performances of several patriot tunes.

The Associated Student Body (ASB) officers recognize the importance of the annual assembly for its impact on the students.

ASB President Camden Smith explained the purpose behind the assembly, “The assembly is important because it allows us to give back to our veterans.”

Similarly, ASB treasurer Megan Buriak said, “It opens our eyes…We realize that not all freedoms are actually free.”

For ASB Vice-President Rachel Schell, the assembly helps raise awareness and provide due recognition: “I don’t think we fully realize how much the veterans put on the line for us and how much it affects us.”

Upon reflecting on the holiday, it becomes clear that even though Veterans Day has slightly different meanings for each student, each interpretation has one thing in common: deep gratitude and profound respect.

Smith reflected, “Veterans Day means a lot to me. I used to always just get excited because… I didn’t have to go to school. Throughout the years, I have realized it’s more than that.”

He continued, “To me, it has come to be a day to honor the heroes who fought for us.”

“Veterans Day is a day of respect,” believes Schell. “To me, it’s about realizing who has put their life on the line, and understanding what they have done for us. Veterans Day is about giving back to those who have given their all for us.”

Consequently, Gingrich and Anderson, who will each be performing at the assembly, are proud to do so.

Gingrich put her patriotism into words, “The ‘National Anthem’ is one of the most important songs I know. It is the face of America, and I always love hearing and singing it.”

She added, “I am very proud to sing the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ because I can represent my country and give a little to her to show how proud I am to live here.”

“‘Taps’ is an honor for the heroes of our country,” reflected Anderson, adding of its meaning, “It is to give a respectful sendoff to our soldiers. I think it is a good symbol of our country’s pride.”

“I am proud to be playing it,” Anderson emphasized.

Unsurprisingly, students strongly encourage community members to attend the assembly and join in the patriotism.

Buriak explained, “Community members should come to the assembly because some of them have been in the military and should be recognized for their bravery and sacrifice.”

“Also,” she continued, “it’s a good thing to educate those in our community who aren’t sure of what our veterans have actually gone through.”

“Community members should join our assembly because I don’t think people realize how much it impacts our veterans,” said Schell. “It is very important to show the love we have for them.”

For those veterans who are unable to make it to the assembly, the students and staff at LRHS want to thank you for your honorable service and valiant sacrifices.

Buriak directed her gratitude to veterans, “I appreciate everything you have done, in the past and in the present, towards building a better nation for myself and generations to follow. Your dedication to our country means everything to me and those who live here with me.”

“Thank you,” she emphasizes, “for everything you have done.”

Student Laurel Hayes enlisted in the Navy last week. In her message to veterans, she said, “Thank you to everyone who served before me for letting me to get to live my dream.”

Schell stressed, “I hope that all Veterans and families of past veterans know how respected they are… What the veterans have done for not only the community but for the entire county will never be forgotten.”

Through annual Veterans Day assemblies and an undying sense of patriotism, she concluded, “We at LRHS will always remember.”