Veteran's Day Ceremony Well-Received

The Veteran's Day ceremony at Chinook High School on November 11 was well attended and featured several speakers, including Master of Ceremonies Doug Hayes, Veteran Don Richman, and students Brooklyn Terry and Liam Edwards. Other individuals, classes, and community groups also participated in what was called an "honorable and patriotic event."

Upon entering the Floyd Bowen Gymnasium last Thursday, guests received a program created by Paula Molyneaux's graphic design students. At the symbolically significant hour of 11:00, former U.S. History/Government Teacher at Chinook Junior/Senior High School (CHS), Mr. Hayes welcomed those gathered to honor area veterans. After his greeting, Pastor Ritch Grimes from the Chinook Alliance Church delivered the invocation, which was followed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Ladies Auxiliary who performed the altar draping. Speeches from Richman, Terry, and Edwards ensued.

A member of the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict, Richman currently serves as Commander for Post 4744 of the VFW. He spoke not only about being overseas and what his unit experienced but about the aftermath when they returned home. Richman also referenced several community members and the sacrifices they made to ensure the freedoms of the generations to follow. At the core of his message was the cost of service and how serving changes the lives of the veteran who often gives willingly and would serve again if given the opportunity.

Richman further explained the meaning behind the thirteen folds in a flag-folding ceremony. With assistance from Tylie Richman and Caden Sullivan, Richman demonstrated the folding of a flag while Shay Hauer read about the symbolic process: "The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. . . . The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag. . . . When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, In God We Trust."

Another presenter was Terry, whose essay was read by her sister Anna. Written as an extra credit opportunity in her 7th grade civics class, Terry's essay about American democracy was selected as the junior high contribution to the Veteran's Day assembly. Terry spoke about changes that our country can make to become more independent. "Each American needs to stand up for themselves and their rights by being active in the democratic process. Your voice matters," she said.

As a high school contributor, Edwards, who is a senior at CHS, read to the assembled crowd, his VFW scholarship essay, "America: Where Do We Go from Here?" In it, he spoke about contemporary news programs which are inundated by "partisan commentary that demonizes opposing sides and tears apart the fabric of peace in our country." After sharing examples of divisive headlines, he insisted that the United States "stand firmly against domestic and international terrorists, recognize the dangers of partisan media, and strive to achieve the founding fathers' dream of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

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With his words, Edwards invited US citizens to return to the increased patriotism observed following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. "Extremist groups on the left and right seek to divide American citizens, and Americans are falling for it. Americans must remain strong against these attacks from entities international and domestic. Democracy, freedom, citizen rights, and everything our veterans fought for depend on it."

Edwards went on to say that this division from extremists is perpetuated by a mainstream media which fuels the controversy to gain viewers. Rather than falling for the "persistent propaganda" that suggests people with different beliefs are dangerous, Edwards encourages citizens to return to the values of merit and good will. "These foundational values are uniting, and our country will prevail with them. By recognizing what the founding fathers intended for this country, America has the blueprint for success. It is likely that the United States' wounds will grow deeper before healing; but it is always darkest before the dawn."

As evidence, Edwards cited America's prevailing through the attack of Pearl Harbor, the acts of violence on September 11, 2001, Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey, and Maria, the San Francisco Earthquake, the Spanish Flu, and many other adversities. He finished with these remarks: "Our veterans have fought for our independence through twelve major wars in our history. . . . From here, America needs to combat extremists and terrorists, ignore the partisan messages of mainstream media, and finally understand what the founders intended. From here, America must stand strong."

Further enhancing the ceremony, the CHS choir sang "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America," and their Director, Devin Morris served as the bugler who played the twenty-four mournful notes comprising "Taps." The final bugle call is a sign of respect as well as a tribute played to commemorate the memory of members of all five branches of the armed forces.

One teacher in attendance, Karyn Billmayer said, "It's so great to see our veterans being honored in a public setting."

About his role as the MC, Hayes commented: "What an honor it was to be a part of the Veteran's Day Ceremony. The students were well-behaved and very attentive during the program. The Chinook community, which is very proud and supportive of their veterans, can also be very proud of their children/students."