Local Veterans Honored at School Assembly

Glennallen, AK -- On Tuesday, November 11, Glennallen students observed Veterans Day at an assembly hosted by the student council. Following the event, local veterans were honored with a special lunch at the school.

National Honor Society members handed out poppy pins, which are often worn on Veterans Day to commemorate those who died in war. Flags were carried in by veterans Terry Keizer, Commander of the American Legion; and Norman Johnson, a member of the Glennallen School staff. Ninth-grader Jayden Buck played the National Anthem on the guitar, and junior René Rock-Albert spoke about the history of Veterans Day.

A memorable point of the assembly was the Missing Soldier Table, which was set to honor prisoners of war and those declared missing in action. Elements were placed on a table one at a time by individual students while their symbolic importance was explained by tenth-grader Timothy Somers.

A single red rose represents those who suffer through uncertainty of having a loved one missing or unaccounted for. A slice of lemon stands for the bitter fate of those captured or missing. A lighted candle symbolizes hope for return. A glass is set upside down at the table, since those missing in action cannot share a toast with their loved ones at home. 

After a moment of silence to honor the lost and missing, middle school students carried in banners representing the different branches of the US military. Veterans in attendance were invited to stand as their branch was introduced.

Terry Keizer, Commander of the local American Legion, gave an address adapted from a speech prepared by the national American Legion Headquarters. Although veterans are specifically honored on November 11, “it is important to remember that veterans are defending us 365 days a year,” Keizer read.

Keizer’s speech also recognized military spouses and children who must frequently move and face painful separations. 

“Veterans have given us freedom,” Keizer concluded. “We must continue to remember them. We must continue to appreciate them. God bless you for being here, God bless our veterans, and God bless America.”

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