Celeste Junior High School
Veterans' Day Assembly
November 11, 2005
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On
Veterans’ Day, November 11, 2005, Celeste Junior High School honored local
veterans with a Veteran’s Day Assembly. A Wall of Honor was created as a
tribute to our veterans. The Wall of Honor contained stars which had the names
of local veterans and their branch of service placed on them. Members of the
Celeste Junior High School Student Council greeted guests from the community as
they arrived. Students helped to pin red, white and blue ribbons on each
veteran and asked them to sign the guest book. The audience stood in silence as
U.S. Marine, Jose Osornio, proudly posted the colors of our flag. Student
council president Andrea Lyday opened the assembly with a warm welcome. Celeste
High School Seniors, Ashley Barth and Joshua Wright sang the National Anthem,
and Carden Russell, student council vice-president, led the Pledge of
Allegiance. Ashley Barth, accompanied by Marcia Fielden, sang America the
Beautiful. Shelby Stubblefield, student council Co-president, gave a
Veteran’s Day Proclamation which was followed by Joshua Wright singing God
Bless the USA. Sgt. Jared Barker, a graduate of Leonard High School, gave
the address. Sgt. Barker served as a Marine Sergeant in Afghanistan during
Operation Enduring Freedom. He also served as a sniper in Iraq. The students
listened attentively as Sgt. Barker gave a brief overview of all the American
Wars. He listed the number of dead and wounded in each war, and his speech
truly brought home to the students and audience the price America has had to pay
for freedom. Sgt. Barker discussed what it means to be a hero, and he praised
the Veterans sitting in the audience as well as all who have served. He
encouraged everyone to extend a hand of thanks at all times to Veterans who
risked their lives to make a free and safe country in which to live. A moment
of silence fell upon the crowd as Bailey Fraiser, student council secretary,
recognized veterans who had given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Marcia Fielden, Celeste music teacher, played Taps, and U.S. Marine, Jose
Osornio, closed the ceremony by retiring the colors of our flag. The Celeste
Junior High School Student Council would like to offer a special thank you to
the Veterans and members of the community that attended the assembly, and look
forward to seeing you again next year.