On Wednesday, November 9th, 2022, at 9:00AM in the auditorium of Carbondale Area High School, students, faculty, family, and veteran guests helped depict the true perspective of the importance of Veterans’ Day with the annual program dedicate to our service men and women.
The audience was welcomed by Madalyn Borders followed by the Posting of Colors by Joshua Berg and Jonathan Marder. Nathanial Cruz sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Students in Mr. Mauro’s AP History class presented on the branches of the military: Army (Brycen Kelly and Justin Toy), Marines (Hailey Peterka and Elyssa Shaw), Navy (Matthew Totsky), Air Force (Shauna Durst and Gia Mark), Coast Guard (Robert Constantine and Brian Repsher), and Space Force (Julia Gorel). Emily Seymour and Kyleigh Wallace discussed POW and MIA. Private Nathanial Cruz added to the ceremony by offering why his call to serve and protect is one he is freely answering. Jacob Ulmer explained the significance of the Missing Man Table. Audrey Cobb and Alyssa Hendrick spoke about their lives as daughters of military soldiers.
Guest speaker, Sergeant David Ragan, spoke of his experiences in combat that lead him to starting a company called “Veterans Promise.” His company is meant to help veterans who are struggling with hardship grants, drug and alcohol programs, and many other services. Sergeant Ragan also spoke of the significance of IGY6 (I Got Your 6) the moto for “Veterans’ Promise.” This is more than a saying, but rather a promise made with fellow “battle buddies” to always have each other’s backs not only in war but also when returning to the civilian life.
Students in Miss Dombrosky’s Advanced Composition Class shared their written responses on the call to serve: “It’s Not Just the Words” (Ashley Eakle), “What If” (Mary Miles), “See You Again” (Caden Brennan), and “Yours Truly” (Madison Kelsch).
Natalie Skeba serenaded the audience with “America the Beautiful.” Other musical performances that added to the atmosphere in the auditorium were “Travelin’ Solider” sung by Eliana Connolly, and Ava Peregrin. As an added tribute, Mary Miles sang “Soldiers Light”.
To bring the ceremony to a close, Aaron Carney and Albion Nasufi played “Taps” during the Recess of Colors.
The simple saying of “Thank You” is one that every soldier should hear in order for them to know how much we are truly grateful for the sacrifices they have made in order for us to enjoy the freedoms we do every day.
