About 50 veterans joined family members, school students and educators for a time of recognition during the annual Veterans Day program at Southern Local Jr./Sr. High School on Nov. 11. The presentation included music and readings while students also presented medals and cards in appreciation for the honored guests’ service and sacrifice. Pictured are student Caroline Nottingham giving a medal to U.S. Army veteran Kati Grafton. (Submitted photo)

SALINEVILLE — Southern Local Schools recognized the sacrifices made by service members during the annual Veterans Day program on Nov. 11.

About 1,200 school children from elementary to high school gathered with 50 veterans as well as family members, school staff and administrators for observance in the high school gym following a hospitality hour for the honored guests in the SLHS cafeteria. Additionally, elementary pupils created artwork and crafts while high schoolers made cards and treat bags for the veterans. The program was organized by music educator Emily Forbes Bowling and included presentations and music by both students and teachers.

School FFA officers opened the festivities with the Pledge of Allegiance while the band performed the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Bowling then welcomed the crowd and said it was a time to honor and reflect upon those who courageously defended our country.

“Today we come together as students, staff, family and neighbors to honor the men and women who have served and who continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces,” Bowling said. “Veterans Day is more than just a day on the calendar, it’s a time to remember that the freedoms we enjoy each day were secured through courage, sacrifice and dedication. Our veterans answered the call to serve something greater than themselves– their country, their people and the ideals that define America: liberty, justice and peace.”

She thanked them for their bravery and for showing what it means to stand for others, to protect what matters most and to never give up in the face of hardship. Bowling said the program was a way to say ‘Thank You’ for their service, for their sacrifice and for their example, while she also welcomed the family members whose support, strength and love made the veterans’ service possible.

“May we leave today not only thankful, but inspired to serve our own community in ways that honor the legacy of our veterans,” she added.

More patriotic musical selections were performed by kindergarten students while fifth-graders led a Reader’s Theater recitation of the poem, “Veterans Day,” by Rebecca H. Stevens, and the high school chorus provided accompaniment with “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” as teacher Brett Hughes recited The Gettysburg Address. Hughes then introduced sixth-grader Logan Plumley, a young WWII re-enactor who read his original work, “Letter to a Veteran.”

“I have read about the bravery, teamwork and sacrifices that people such as you have made to protect our country,” Plumley read, adding that he has met with vets and discussed V-J Day during re-enactments. “Getting to know and see how our troops lived during this time and hearing their stories make me appreciate what they went through a whole lot more. I want you to know your service and sacrifices do not go unnoticed, that you are appreciated. Thank you for being the amazing example for my generation.”

Elementary students followed with a performance of “God Bless America,” which was directed by elementary music educator Ryan Smith, and SLHS senior Haylee Kellogg read her college essay on the popular Andrews Sisters song, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” that she and the band soon played for spectators.

“‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’ was released during World War II and tells the story of a bugle player who answered the call to the Army,” she read, calling it “upbeat, fun to listen to and enjoyable.”

Bowling next was joined by sixth- and seventh-grade band members to present medals and cards to veterans in attendance and she also honored Southern Local alumni Duane Marhefka and Mitch McGuire, who respectively graduated in 1964 and 1966 and were killed in action while serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

The high school band presented “Anthems of the Six Armed Forces” to highlight the military branches while service members stood during their respective tune, and sisters Haylee and Katie Kellogg closed the event with a performance of “Taps.”