Schmucker Middle School is one of P-H-M schools that has a long tradition of honoring our nations heroes and heroines on Veterans Day. Click to see the full photo gallery below.
Our 8th grade students are involved in the annual program as part of their Social Studies unit. The history and importance of honoring Veterans is also interwoven into the musical curriculum. The 8th grade Choir, Orchestra and Band classes provided the music for the celebration.
The students who have family, friends, and neighbors who are Veterans are encouraged to invite them to the program. Students with honored guests introduce their veteran and then present them with a red poppy, which became a symbol of the blood shed by those who fought and those who continue to fight for our country. It was response to the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.”
This year’s program speaker was Schmucker parent and University of Notre Dame Director of Military and Veterans Affairs Kenneth Heckel. He is a 23-year veteran and retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. Heckel served in operational organizations and assignments across the world. Heckel received numerous awards and honors for his military service, most notably the Legion of Merit medal, multiple Bronze Star medals, and the Senior Parachutist Badge. He was also Assistant Professor of Economics and the Director of Academy Advancement at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Henkel talked to the students about the importance of leadership, trust, and honor in the military, but also every day life.
After the program, students and their veteran guests enjoyed some breakfast treats and a chance to visit with students and other guests.
