Veterans Day is a traditional part of American culture since its origins back in the 20th century.
Originally, it was known as Armistice Day to celebrate the conclusion of the first World War, and it was later changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to celebrate all the veterans of all the wars. It is different from Memorial Day in that Veterans Day celebrates all who have served whereas Memorial Day focuses on those who gave their lives in service.
The assembly started out with Mrs. Sharpe giving a welcome speech to all the veterans who came, mentioning how she wants this to be found meaningful by all students and guests.
The MJHS Vocal Ensemble sang the national anthem, then Katelyn Stake gave a speech about Veterans Day. This was followed by the Vocal Ensemble and the MJHS Band performing the theme songs of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and the Coast Guard, offering for the veterans from that branch, and the students and staff with family in that branch to stand when their song was played.
Afterward, students Emma Coss, Savannah Soloman, Rachel Blumhardt and FFA members, Alexia Borrero, Kirsten Pigg and Gracie Gravely, all read a poem or speech about veterans. Then, the guest speaker, Chaplain Paul Gunn, gave a speech about himself and the military.
To close out the ceremony, Ben Christensen performed the traditional Taps, which is played at military funerals, a tradition started by Captain John C. Tidwell, West Point class of 1842.