On Veteran's Day, November 11, 2004, 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 veterans at the door. Students helped to pin red, white and blue ribbons on the guests. The audience stood as U.S. Army Sergeant Steven Stuckey proudly posted the colors of our flag. Student council president Fritz Vale opened the assembly with a warm welcome. Sally Wilgus sang the National Anthem, and Joey Brock, student council historian, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Allison Spaight and Hayley Shelton sang America the Beautiful. Macie Mayrell, student council vice-president, gave a Veteran’s Day Proclamation which was followed by Sally Wilgus singing God Bless America. Howard L. (Bud) Roach gave the address. Mr. Roach was born and raised in Celeste. He graduated from Celeste High School in 1965 and was drafted into the army in 1966. He served as a medic in Vietnam in 1967-1968. Mr. Roach addressed the young people in the audience by sharing stories of patriotism, pride, and what it meant to be an American soldier from Celeste, Texas in the Vietnam War. He told one moving story about a group of Celeste ladies that sent a box of Christmas cookies to Vietnam that he actually received three months after Christmas. He shared how touched he was at the time to receive such a gift, and he stressed that the simple act of kindness even meant more to him today. He encouraged students to think of our troops in Iraq and to show our support whenever possible. 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. Next, Marcia Fielden, Celeste music teacher, played Taps, and Sergeant Stuckey closed the ceremony by retiring the colors of our flag.
