Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) held the 20th Annual Veterans Day Celebration at Smithfield-Selma High School (SSS) on Monday, November 11, 2024, with pomp and circumstance to honor all Johnston County veterans who have served the country.
The annual celebration is a student-led event that includes the JCPS All-County Band, All-County Chorus, and All-County JROTC. The chorus and band performed traditional patriotic pieces, the song of each armed forces division, and played echo taps honoring Prisoners of War, and Missing In Action soldiers. The All-County JROTC conducted the presentation of flags from each division of the Armed Forces, and Clayton JROTC showed their skills with an armed exhibition drill.
“We’re here for the veterans. Seeing them being appreciated and being happy and talking to one another, inspires me to persevere and get to that next level.”
-Clayton High Navy JROTC cadet Logan Doody
"I want to express sincere thanks to each of the Chorus, Band, and JROTC students and teachers that participated in this year's event. Due to unusual scheduling, additional time commitments were required this year, and they rose to the occasion,” stated JCPS Fine Arts Curriculum Specialist Sarah Fawn McLamb, who acted as the co-organizer of the event. “Anyone that is familiar with the JCPS Character Education traits would see how every student exemplified all 12 traits and their descriptions. I am beyond proud of our students and consider it an honor to work with them on this event!"
Each year JCPS strives to ensure that each generation understands the importance of Veterans Day, and values the sacrifices made by those deserving of the recognition. The district strategically provides many opportunities for student involvement, for all grade levels, even our kindergarteners.
“One of the most heartfelt displays of appreciation is provided by our kindergarten students who provide hundreds of personal colored pages, which often include personalized notes of gratitude,” noted Chief Communications Officer Richard Carr. “Some of the messages are remarkably genuine and sincere, and often cause veterans to become teary-eyed once they are read.” The event is meaningful to all participants in various ways.
For Clayton High senior and Navy JROTC cadet Logan Doody, the Veterans Day Celebration has familial ties. Doody comes from a military family representing all branches of the US Armed Forces. Last year was his first time as a participant, and his excitement has only grown for this year’s celebration. “We’re here for the veterans,” he said. “Seeing them being appreciated and being happy and talking to one another, inspires me to persevere and get to that next level.”
One hundred and one year old Alexander Obrizok is recognized for his service in the Coast Guard during World War II, and as the oldest living Johnston County veteran in attendance.
The event provides the perfect platform for veterans and youth who aspire to be service men and women to demonstrate their mutual love for the country and each other. US Army Veteran and President Emeritus of KS Bank Mr. Harold Keen was the guest speaker. Though Keen’s remarks included reflection of his tenure in the Army and serving in Vietnam, his speech included a heartfelt message directed towards the next generation of veterans.
“I believe service to our country is one of the most fulfilling things you can do. It taught me that there are people from all backgrounds and all cultures who love this country like I do,” he said. Keen also stressed that the military was not only about combat roles. He wanted to make it known that there is a place for anyone interested in joining the US Armed Forces.
For some families, Veteran’s Day is a solemn occasion as they remember loved ones who died in the line of duty. Keen made it a point during his speech to recognize those soldiers by asking the veterans to say aloud a comrade’s name they wanted to remember, which was a powerful moment.
Once the ceremony ended, the celebration continued as the veterans and their families made their way to the school’s cafeteria where they enjoyed a Thanksgiving-style meal. It included all the fixings such as turkey with homemade gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, apple pie and strawberry cake. JCPS School Nutrition Services served approximately 620 meals to honor the men and women veterans of Johnston County.
“It is simply a small token of appreciation, considering the invaluable and precious freedoms they have afforded us each and every day,” noted Mr. Carr. In the words of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Gabriella Harris of West Johnston High, “There is no way that we can express our gratitude enough. But there is no good reason why we shouldn't try.”
JCPS looks forward to providing the Annual Veterans Day event for many years to come.