Russellville Courier
Adam Sweeney - For full Article click HERE
Veterans from every U.S. conflict dating back to World War II were recognized for their service during Russellville High School’s first Celebrating Freedom assembly in Cyclone Gymnasium on Wednesday.
Sgt. Randy Alford asked veterans of World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq to stand for recognition, and each group was welcomed with applause by the crowd that included the RHS student body, faculty, parents and members of the community. Alford then asked the veterans to stand as he called off each individual branch of the military.
Col. Michael Spraggins, commander of the 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery, had an illustration to present the impact of people serving in the military that also involved standing. Spraggins asked all the veterans of wars to stand, with about 40 people responding. He then asked anyone who had a family member who has served in a war to stand, leaving just a few individuals still seated.
“I’m not surprised at all to see the number of people standing,” Spraggins said. “Ladies and gentlemen, you are all part of what these ladies and gentlemen before you have served for.”
U.S. Rep. and RHS graduate Steve Womack discussed the “selflessness” of specific individuals who sacrificed their lives in events like the Vietnam War and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The RHS theater department presented an original piece, written by theater teacher Stephanie Schultze, entitled “Truth Marching.” The piece incorporated small speaking portions for each of the 30 students participating and highlighted select presidential addresses during war time and mentioned specific numbers of those in the school who had relatives serving or intended to serve themselves in the military. The numbers were the result of a survey Schultze conducted in preparation for the piece.
The RHS band’s trumpet section performed the National Anthem, and the choir performed “God Bless the USA” and “America.”
Student Council President Andrew Dixon delivered a personal thank you to the men and women of the military.
Womack said he was moved by the students’ participation Wednesday.
“This really charges my batteries,” Womack said. “First of all at any patriotic ceremony, we’re honoring veterans. It’s a special time, but when it’s in the presence of the next generation of leaders of our country, it’s a particularly special moment.”
RHS principal Wesley White said he was pleased with the turnout and hoped the assembly would be something the school would continue to observe in the future.
