Students in Montoursville show veterans appreciation
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Lycoming County's veterans in all military branches were honored Friday at a rousing and sometimes tear-producing ceremony inside the auditorium of the Montoursville Area High School.
There, the veterans, whose attendance covered the width of the stage, were treated to poems and songs, along with Taps played on the bugle by Addison Confer. In return, the veterans shared their appreciation by applauding the performances.
"On Veterans Day," was sung at the end in unison by young students from Lyter and Loyalsock Valley elementaries. Some of the vets teared up at that tribute.
Special guest speaker Chet Beaver, retired Army master sergeant, gave students a lesson on the words "Roger," and "Hooah!"
Teacher Karissa Jones led 14 of the students to a podium and each read a poem.
There were so many veterans attending the ceremony, they covered the width and breadth of the stage.
They included veterans who served or serve in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and various Reserve units.
The importance of Veterans Day which was observed. Its history was discussed as one that started as Armistice Day in 1918 on the 11th month, 11th day and 11th hour with the end of World War I. It was not until Nov. 11, 1954, when U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave it its namesake.
Jones acknowledged those who served during Iraq and Afghanistan, followed by the Persian Gulf Operation Desert Storm, Vietnam War, Korean War and Jones asked if there were any World War II veterans with the group. While none stood. Those who did serve in World War II who were either departed or not present at the gathering were offered a tribute with applause.
Jones also asked for anyone in more recent or past conflicts that were not mentioned to rise and be recognized.
Beaver, who is with the Pennsylvania College of Technology and is assistant director of student advocacy for veterans services, said "Roger," not the first name, but one used in the military to let someone know "yes," or "okay."
The second word is "hooah!" one of Beaver's favorites, which means anything and everything except, "No," he said.
Hooah! is often used in the armed forces when men and women are happy or motivated.
For the rest of his time, Beaver told the students when he said "Roger," he wanted to hear back, very loudly, all of the students say, "Hooah!"
"Roger," he said, "Hooah!" they all returned, some of the Hooahs! resonating longer than they were supposed to, bringing a smile to the veterans.
Beaver told the students he had the pleasure of serving almost 25 years in the Army. He said he'd been all around the world and all around the country, and wanted to tell them it made him feel proud to come to an event like this.
"You know, we've been celebrating Veterans Day in one form or another in America for over 100 years," he said. The faculty and staff here at the two schools, and the students were proudly poised to celebrate this special day for another 100 years, he added.
He defined for the students exactly what a veteran is. "A veteran is someone who has spent at least one day in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and now the Space Force. These veterans work hard, often far from home, to make sure the nation stays safe and free.
Some veterans serve(d) during the wars, while others helped to keep the peace. Some veterans serve(d) in many other countries around the world and many veterans serve right here in hometowns in the Reserves and National Guard.
To honor all of these people, the nation has Veterans Day.
Beaver also told the students precisely why Veterans Day was so important.
"It is important because it reminds us to be grateful for the sacrifices veterans have made for us," he said. "They gave up their time for families. They gave up their homes. Sometimes, they give (gave) up their own safety, and all too often they give or gave up their own lives, to protect our freedoms. Thanks to them we get to go to school. We get to play. We get to live in a safe and free country and you can grow up, work hard and have whatever life that you want."
To help celebrate, Veterans Day is more than a day off from work or school, he said.
It is a day to honor and show respect for veterans around the country, including millions of veterans, but there are 1 % or 1 out of every 100 people in the country who call themselves veterans, he added.
He reminded the students of meaningful things to do to show appreciation to veterans. "You can say 'thank you' to a veteran," he said. "If you know someone who served simply say 'thank you for your service.'"
It is a small gesture but it shows the veteran they are appreciated for what they've done.
Beaver told the students to return home and ask their parents if there were other people in their families who may have served in the military. If they are not here, call them or text them and say 'Hi' and 'thank you for your service,'" he said.
Making cards and letters, which included artwork that was on display in the hallways, is another way to show veterans' appreciation and it made Beaver feel really good that teachers were having students do that kind of art. "Keep those if you can and pass them down to your children," he said.
Attend a Veterans Day ceremony, with several of them happening in the next few days through Monday. He reminded the students about the Lycoming County Veterans Day Parade (Saturday, Nov. 9) today at 2 p.m. in Muncy.
Take time to learn about veterans and their experiences, by reading books, watching videos (such as the one students watched from Otto's Tales), or even ask a veteran while they were there what they did in the military, he instructed the students.
"We all love to share our stories whenever possible," he said.