By Mackenzie Arthur / staff writer
Crimson Heat singing “Salute to the Armed Forces.” Photo by Mark Blachly.
On the cold morning of Nov. 11, NPHS students, faculty and administrators gathered for their Veterans Day program.
The congregation started promptly at 9 a.m. with an opening speech from assistant principal Mitchel Burk. Burk’s speech mentioned the importance of taking time out of the school day to honor those who are serving, have served and are planning to serve our country.
The NPHS jazz ensemble played “America the Beautiful” to conclude opening remarks.
Burk invited everyone in the gymnasion to stand while the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) presented the colors. While the colors were being presented the whole assembly remained quiet and respectful.
“I think that any age of student, especially high school age student, it’s easy to assume that they may not take something seriously, that they may be distracted with friends, distracted with phones. What I saw and lots of people commented as we looked around the gym this morning was that almost every single student in attendance was focused, respecting the speakers, respecting the veterans who were there, and paying attention. Nobody was turning it into a joke or just a waste of time. I think that for the most part, our students were very respectful and it was just an overall positive experience for everybody,” Burk said.
Once JROTC concluded the presentation of the colors, the jazz band performed the “Star Spangled Banner.”
When everyone was seated again, Burk invited sophomore Parker Fairafax to the podium to give his award winning speech. Fairafax’s speech mentioned his personal feelings towards the meaning of patriotism.
“Before I went up to speak, I was kind of nervous. I felt myself shaking and worried I might make a major mistake during the speech. But once I felt confident once I got to the podium. My confidence likely came from realizing that I had all of this attention and a microphone to amplify my voice, which was quite the empowering feeling,” Fairfax said.
Following Fairafax’s speech, Warren Central High School head swim coach and United States Navy veteran Jason Tillage came to the podium and spoke about his personal testimonies of different events that happened during his time serving in the Navy.
To conclude the ceremony, Crimson Heat sang “Salute to the Armed Forces.” The song honors all branches of the US military. Throughout the song veterans were invited to stand when their branch was recognized.
“We were definitely under a lot of pressure to perform well for the veterans and to honor their service during the program,” sophomore Crimson Heat member Garrett Benson said.
As Crimson concluded its performance, Burk came back to the stand to conclude the program. The program was a great way for students to express their talents while honoring our veterans.
“I thought that the musical performances today, especially, were extremely well done. Multiple people said that that was the best rendition of taps that they’ve ever heard at the close of things. Multiple people indicated that the ‘Salute to the Armed Forces’ that the Crimson Heat performed, was kind of an emotional moment, especially seeing the veterans stand up when their branch was being recognized. I think that any way that we can showcase the talents of our students, from Parker who gave an excellent speech, to the band, the choir. We had students who were in the presentation of the colors when they came out. It was just a really good way to showcase a variety of talents and gifts from a lot of our students,” Burk said.
While the program was only 40 minutes, the time was well spent. Students had the opportunity to take time out of the day to honor the men and women who have fought to protect our country.
“I think when it’s with the best of intentions to say that we are always going to honor the military. We are going to thank those who have served. Everybody falls victim to getting distracted with the ins and outs of life and sometimes you just need that intentionality to pause and reflect. I think having it during the school day makes sure that every single one of our students can come together in one spot, that they can see the veterans who are there, that they can applaud, and they can recognize them,” Burk said.
