Robbinsville High, Middle schools hold yearly recognition
Robbinsville – Robbinsville High School and Robbinsville Middle School presented a Veteran’s Day Program on Nov. 9 in the high school gym.
A podium was set in the middle of the room in front or the guest veterans. Behind the podium sat guest speakers, Robbinsville High and Middle School students face-to-face with honored veterans.
The ceremony started with a welcome from Aubree Nichols, student, and then a performance of the Star Spangled Banner from the Robbinsville High band and choir. The Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post No. 8635 and American Legion No. 192 performed the posting of colors.
Legion members in white shirts and hats carried a North Carolina flag and placed them on both sides of the podium. Another man directed them while another held a rifle. All saluted when told to.
Respective of a patriotic event, the pledge of allegiance was lead in English by student Anna Wehr; and then student Carter Burchfield, in Spanish.
The guest speakers for the event were assistant superintendent Robert Moody and SSgt. Warren Dupree.
Moody spoke in honor of his
grandfather, Wayne Carringer, who served in World War II.
Moody prefaced his speech saying that all veterans matter and they help ensure Americans freedom.
“It’s a simple question you answer every day without realizing. The question is, how will you use your freedom?” said Moody.
Moody continued his speech passionately stating that veterans sacrificed many things for people to have freedom. Moody made a point that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for spiritual freedom; veterans sacrificed for physical freedom.
Dupree served in the U.S Navy, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and the N.C. Army National Guard.
Dupree started his speech saying that he knows and understands veterans. He served with some of the veterans in attendance today.
He asked for all veterans to stand and the audience applauded.
Dupree spoke of the history of Veterans Day and how in 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming Nov. 11 Veterans Day.
“As a nation, it is essential that we preserve the integrity of Nov. 11 as that one extra, special day for the American people as whole to pause in silence and demonstrate quality recognition,” said Dupree. “Remembering its true meaning: service and sacrifice.”
Seventh-grade students and high school student council members paid tribute to veterans. Then, the middle school and high school choir helped pay tribute to each branch of the military.
Next, there was a moment of silence for the fallen.
A trumpet sounded in the air as “Taps” was played by Ryan Lynn and Gage Rogers.
The program ended with a prayer, before the Robbinsville High School band played “America the Beautiful.”
There was a sense of respect and gratitude as the colors were retired – a satisfying and end to an impactful program respecting those who protect our freedoms.