Every Veterans Day, the eighth grade students organize, plan and execute a wonderful program to honor veteran family members, friends or neighbors. The Spartan Choir (led by Mrs. Donna Hipsher), Band (led by Mr. Jeff Carnall) and Orchestra (led by Mrs. Dodi Carnall) all performed for the veteran special guests. It’s a beautiful program allowing our students the opportunity to honor the heroes in the own lives while also paying homage to all our country’s veterans.
Along with the veterans, Schmucker Principal Mrs. Lavon Dean-Null also welcomed specials guests: Penn-Harris-Madison Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker and the keynote speaker Major General Peter K. Sullivan. Major General Sullivan is the mobilization assistant to the assistant secretary of the Air Force, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, the Pentagon, Washington D.C. The 1960 University of Notre Dame graduate has commanded two Air Force Reserve groups and four wings. He is a veteran of the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. As part of the Major General’s remarks, he asked for every veteran to stand and give his name, rank and the branch of the military he or she served in. A couple of World War II veterans were in attendance.
Major General Sullivan also spoke to the students about honor and service, explaining to the students that serving in the military is just one way to serve our country; they can also serve without joining the armed forces. Becoming a teacher, health care worker or just making a conscience decision to give back and help others is a service to society.
At today’s program, 64 veterans were honored. The program concluded with students introducing their veteran and presenting them with a flower. Schmucker Band Director Mr. Jeff Carnall played taps, after a moment of silence, to honor fallen veterans.
