Veterans Day was on Monday, November 11th, 2024! The United States celebrates Veterans Day every year on November 11th because it allows generations of families and friends to value and understand the sacrifices the veterans have given to the United States of America. It is a day to remember how blessed we are as a country to have had our veterans fight for our rights and freedom.
Our school held an assembly for the holiday, celebrating and remembering veterans who served in the United States military. During the assembly, a few veterans decided to show up and let Tok School recognize their time in the military. Grades kindergarten through 12th sat on the bleachers in the gym and listened to Mrs. Shotwell's gratifying speech, which highlighted commitment, sacrifice, and freedom. The middle school performing arts class sang the national anthem to our entire school.
The performing arts teacher, Ryan Becker, prepared the middle school performing arts class to sing the national anthem in front of a school and community audience for the first time ever. He said they sang the song three to four times a week and practiced at least once a day for about a month. Mr. Becker was asked what his favorite part about teaching the class to sing was. He stated, “Watching them get more confident each time we do it.”
Through the assembly, our students learned which community members served for our country, and for how long their service lasted. Principal of Tok School and military veteran, Julie Shotwell, was interviewed about her time spent in the military, and she said that her biggest challenge was “exercising patience and adhering strictly to the guidelines provided even when I felt there might be better alternatives.” When she was asked about her biggest fear while in the military, she stated, “I was always afraid I was going to be put in a situation where I would have to kill another human being.” However, she noted that not all of her time in service was challenging or fear-inducing - she enjoyed parts of it, too! Mrs. Shotwell noted, “I enjoyed the camaraderie. I have made friends that will last me a lifetime. I will drop anything if I need their help.” She also enjoyed the travel that comes with military service: “ I enjoy traveling. I got to go to Germany, Ireland, and eight different countries in the Middle East.”
Veterans Day is important to celebrate in The United States of America because it recognizes veterans' sacrifices and commitment to our country. Make sure to thank a veteran this week!
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