SHS+MHS+Veterans+Day+Collaboration

SHS & MHS Students: Put your speech drafts, ideas, or other Veterans Day tips here for everyone to read!!!

Mrs. Deavers & Mrs. McKannan

List of Fallen Soldiers--- []



 Last year's program...2010 ** // Veteran Processional (CD) // ** ** // Welcome (Jamie) // ** **Good morning! You may be seated (if not already). Today we gather to recognize the brave men and women who serve our country; the veterans, the fallen, those overseas and of course, those who are with us today. Good morning, I’m Jamie Britton and on behalf of Mrs. Deavers, Mrs. McKannan and Mrs. Monahan’s service learning classes, I welcome you to the 3rd annual Veterans Day breakfast and celebration ceremony here at Millbrook high school. We are absolutely delighted to see so many of you back with us again this year. ** ** Would everyone please rise, and gentlemen remove your hats, and join Ashlee Anderson in the pledge of allegiance. Following the pledge, please remain standing for the national anthem which will be played by the award winning **** Millbrook ** ** High School **** band under the direction of Mr. Michael Ward. **

** // Pledge of Allegiance (Ashlee Anderson) // ** ** “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the **** United States of America **** and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. ** ** // National Anthem (Band) // ** ** // Introduction of Special Guests (Jamie) // ** ** Before we get started I would like to be the first to thank each and every one of you for our service to our country. I may not know all of your stories or the sacrifices you made on my behalf, but it is a complete honor to have you here with us today. As you know, a salute is a sign of respect to other military members. Today, we are taking time to salute you so that we may show the honor and respect that we as students have for your service. ** **Though we are most honored to have our veterans with us this morning, we are also pleased to have several special guests in attendance today who wished to join in our salute to the brave men and women of the armed forces. As I introduce each of our special guests, would you hold your applause as they stand to be recognized. ** ** State Senator Jill Vogel & her legislative assistant Tricia Stiles ** ** Ms. Cheryl Swartz, Legislative Assistant to Delegate Beverly Sherwood ** ** Mr. Christopher Collins, **** Frederick ** ** County ** ** Board **** of Supervisors ** ** Dr. John Lamanna, Chair of the **** Frederick ** ** County ** ** School **** Board ** ** Mrs. Peggy Clark, Member of the **** Frederick ** ** County ** ** School **** Board ** ** Mrs. Patricia Taylor, Superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools ** ** Mr. Al Orndorff, Assistant Superintendent of Administration ** ** Mr. Pete Vernimb, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction ** ** Mr. Steve Edwards, Director of Public Relations for Frederick County Public Schools ** ** Ms. Tara Woolever, Coordinator of Middle and Secondary Social Studies, Health, and Physical Education ** ** Let’s give all of our special guests a warm welcome. (Hold for applause.) ** ** “Today though we are here to recognize all veterans, we want to especially thank those in our own **** Millbrook ** ** High School **** family who have labored in sacrifice to our country. As I call your name, please also stand to be recognized. ** ** Vice Principal, Bob Liero ** ** Custodian, Hank Agregard ** ** Teachers, Kim Baer, Dawn Valois, & Betty Powers ** ** AND… ** ** Band Director, Michael Ward ** ** In addition, Representative Frank Wolf sent us a flag that flew over the **** US ** ** Capitol ** ** Building ****, which is currently flying outside with the POW/ MIA flag that was donated by our local chapter of Rolling Thunder. President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden & Governor Bob McDonnell also sends their best wishes, words of encouragement, and thanks to all of you who are in attendance today. ** ** I would now like to introduce Nolan Evancheck, Troy Fultz, and ???? who will introduce a few special guests who will bring you words of welcome. **

** // Introducing Mrs. // **** // Butler // **** //, Mr. Nelson, & Mr. Salyer (NOLAN & TROY) // ** ** (NOLAN) Raised from a family rooted in the virtues and values that military service inspires, Mrs. Carolyn Butler took these lessons to heart and used them in her life. She exemplifies this hard work and dedication to success in her academic career that resulted in a Bachelors degree in Political Science and Education from Virginia Tech, and later a Masters in Education from **** Shenandoah ** ** University ****. Mrs. Butler used this education to teach both AP and regular level government classes for ten years at both **** James ** ** Wood ** ** High School **** and **** Sherando ** ** High school ****. From 1996 to present she has worked in administration, now the principal of **** Millbrook ** ** High School ****. ** **( ****TROY ****) **** Principal John Nelson has been the head administrator of **** Sherando ** ** High School **** for ten years. This year will be his twenty- eighth year in education. Before being promoted, he was a teacher in agricultural education at both James Wood and **** Sherando ** ** High Schools ****. Mr. Nelson holds an undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech in Agricultural Education, and Graduate degree from **** George ** ** Mason ** ** University **** in Educational Leadership. ** **(Student from JWHS) ** **It gives us great pleasure to present Ms. Carolyn Butler, Mr. John Nelson, & Mr. Joseph Salyer who will bring words of greeting this morning. **

** //Mrs. Butler, Mr. Nelson, & Mr. Salyer speak to the veterans and students // ** ** // Introduction of the MHS Choir (Malika Qaderi) // ** ** Not only do we pay tribute to those of you in attendance today but we also salute those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. It is my pleasure to introduce to you the **** Award ** ** Winning ** ** Millbrook ** ** High School **** Choir, led by Mr. Brian Kelly and accompanied by Mr. David Asbury. The piece they have chosen, entitled “In Remembrance” is one that brings with it a message of hope, healing, and peace for all who have suffered a loss or a difficult time. Even though we are able to connect this musical piece to many tragic events in today’s society, we find that we are also able to apply this message to those veterans who have fallen. Without further ado I now present to you the **** Millbrook ** ** High School **** choir in their rendition of “In Remembrance.” ** ** // Choir Song, “In Remembrance” // ** ** // Korean War Salute (Jenna Fries) // ** ** Today as we remember the veterans who fought diligently in combat to protect our freedom in **** America ****, we also salute those Korean veterans who sacrificed during the “Forgotten War.” 60 years ago, the United States went to the aid of a country many young men had never heard of, South Korea, and without questioning their mission, they helped to defend a far off land and fight against the threat of communism. They fought long and hard for three years, in the toughest of conditions. Our men went to the aid of these people in a distant land, so that they too could experience freedom, prospering to be one of the greatest nations in the world today. But when our men came home, they were asked, “Where were you?” and “What did you go and do?” Ignorance by OUR people met them upon their return. Forgotten Veterans of the Forgotten War, we come here today on the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, to let you know, that you are NO LONGER forgotten. Many of you had to live in trenches and survive there, being bombed while still fighting as hard as you possibly could. Many of you were like my grandfather, who rode on his bike up and down the coast to watch for planes and ships so that he could warn of invaders. Others were in hand-to-hand combat, shooting not for revenge or to be powerful, but just to survive. We will never forget the harsh conditions you had to endure or the sad experiences that you went through. We cannot forget your bravery, nor the bravery of those who paid the ultimate price for freedom. We salute you, and we ask at this time for all those who fought in the Korean War to stand so that we may recognize your service in defending freedom. [//Break while veterans stand]// We all thank you for everything you have done, and we would like you to remember, that you will never be forgotten. ** ** // Why We Salute Speech // ** ** // (Caitlin) // ** ** // (Nicole) // ** ** // (Morgan) // ****We also salute the members of our current military forces. Your sacrifice and service have preserved the founding principles of our country, and I dare not think of what this nation would be like without you. Those of you currently serving, and those who have in the past, set an impeccable example, one of selfless devotion to protect this land, and those you love, and many you have never met. Your example is one that my generation and those to come can remember and be thankful for. ** **Students, we have a limited idea of what our military sacrifices on a daily basis. Those who are serving in ****Afghanistan ****and ****Iraq ****, deserve our support, for they are risking their lives every day to keep us safe. We cannot imagine what they have been through, because to many of us the scariest thing we’ve experienced is the latest horror movie or a bad hair day. But some of us have left high school, bound for the military and far off places like ****Iraq ****or ****<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">Afghanistan ****<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">just to come back as extremely different men and women. Those former students now understand the real meaning of fear, sacrifice, courage, and determination. Due to the length of this war on terror; it seems as though many have forgotten the hardships our soldiers face. What was once an issue that was on the forefront of American minds, has ended up in the back of newspapers. More than the football star or newest musician, these men and women gave their lives to protect this great land are the true heroes, and so are those of you sitting here today who’ve served your country in her time of need. This generation has opportunities unlike any before us, but without you, without our military, none of our dreams would be possible. The education we often disdain is possible because of our men and women in uniform. I recently read a story of how a teacher, several years ago, took all the desks out of her room on the first day of school, and asked each of her classes how they could earn their desks that year in school. Period after period students gave many answers, but they failed to give the answer the teacher wanted. Finally, at the end of the day after hours with no desks, the teacher opened the door and twenty-seven veterans walked in, each with a desk in their hands. After placing the desks in neat rows, the veterans lined up and the teacher told her students “You didn’t earn the right to sit in these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it’s up to you to sit in them”. ** **<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">Students, it’s up to US to value our education and our freedom every day. Our opportunities at Millbrook, Sherando, or ****<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">James ** **<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">Wood ** **<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">High Schools ****<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">are due to the sacrifices of these men and women who sit before us today as well as countless others who are in harm’s way at this very moment, defending our nation. That is why we salute them today. ** **<span style="color: green; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">(CHANTAL) We also salute the heroes of the future: those who will one day serve as honorably as many of you already have. ** <span style="background: white; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in -0.7pt 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.7pt;"> **<span style="color: #660066; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">Good morning. My name is Jake Lewis and I’m a senior at Sherando High School. ****<span style="color: green; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">My name is Chantal Stark and I’m a senior here at Millbrook High School. Many people today feel that our generation is unappreciative and lacks patriotism. And though we can be careless, loud and irresponsible at times, our country has not called us to serve in ways that previous generations had to. Many of us have not heard your stories or been able to sympathize with a cause that was not our own. Though we’ve lived in war time, we’ve never been asked to sacrifice for the war effort. But some of us now have a greater understanding either through personal experiences with family members in the military or opportunities to converse with veterans in our classes who shared their experiences with us. Your stories make us grateful for what we have and more determined to preserve that freedom for which you fought. ** <span style="background: white; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in -0.7pt 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.7pt;">**<span style="color: green; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">I was first informed about the military at an early age by my father and grandfather. My grandpa fought in WWII and my father, a retired Army Artillery Surveyor, served during the Cold War. Listening to their many stories of service was an amazing way of bonding with them. In addition, my brother, Steve Stark, is a proud graduate of Virginia Military Institute Class of 2010, and a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. With the help of the Institute and Steve’s determination to lead and represent his school and his country with pride and honor, he matured from an adolescent high school student to an accomplished Army officer. He describes the effect of his military training in these words, “I was able to apply what I have learned to support today’s demanding environment. Whether it is leading soldiers on the battlefield or engineers in the corporate world, I fully believe that I will be able to accomplish all of my duties and that the Institute will be heard from today.” His journey has been an inspiration to me as I also plan on attending VMI in the fall of 2011 and accepting a commission upon graduation. I am very proud of my brother, as well as all other military service men and women, and thank them for the sacrifices they willingly made and will continue to make to provide safety and freedom to our country. ** <span style="background: white; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in -0.7pt 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.7pt;"> **<span style="color: green; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">This pride and appreciation for our service men and women has played a major role in my decisions toward a military career. Through their stories I was not only able to understand their sacrifices and appreciate everything they have done for the United States, but I feel I have also gained the idea that service to my country is a moral obligation and I will do anything to fulfill that commitment. I am currently in the process of applying to Virginia Military Institute and United States Coast Guard Academy where I will begin my studies in International Affairs and Modern Languages. Upon graduating from either school, I plan on accepting a commission in the United States Coast Guard in the field of aviation. ** <span style="background: white; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in -0.7pt 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.7pt;">**<span style="color: #660066; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">In contrast to Chantal’s story, while I was growing up, no one in my family ever pushed me into joining the military and no one even truly asked me what I thought about serving my country. Though both of my grandfathers served during World War II, until recently when my brother joined the Air Force, I knew very little about how rewarding it is to serve. This past summer I attended my brother’s graduation from Lackland air force base, and until then, the notion that my generation didn’t have patriotism for our country seemed quite true to me. But to my surprise this generation does not have just a few outstanding young men and women, but great numbers of soldiers that are produced year round that come out of boot camps and military institutions, serving our country with hard work and a focus, which in turn, will help our country grow and prosper. Seeing and hearing these great things the military has to offer, inspired me to enlist in the Air National Guard in the medical field. ** <span style="background: white; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in -0.7pt 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.7pt;">**<span style="color: #660066; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">My biggest inspiration for enlisting in the military has to be the story of my brother Zach’s transformation from being an unsure teenage kid to a focused, strong, and determined man because of his military experience. I see this and I know veterans like all of you have been through this transformation as well. It made every single one of you better people, and even greater Americans. ** <span style="background: white; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in -0.7pt 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.7pt;">**<span style="color: green; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">Through the influence of our families and the stories of countless veterans, Jake and I have come to appreciate the liberties that our service men and women have provided, protected, and will continue to protect for many years to come. We salute you for your sacrifices and achievements and are determined to pay it forward through our military careers. Some of you may be tempted to think that you’ve given all you can to this country. It might be easy to believe that advanced age or health concerns keep you from great influence to our nation. If so, you are mistaken. You continually inspire the younger generations with your example of sacrifice. Please keep telling us about your experiences. Even when it might seem like we aren’t listening, your example is a lesson to us all. ** **<span style="color: maroon; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">From WWII… ** **<span style="color: #333333; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">to Korea… ** **<span style="color: green; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">to Vietnam… ** **<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">Even to the battlefields of today and tomorrow… ** **<span style="color: #660066; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">We salute you. ** **<span style="color: green; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">Not because of the battles you’ve won. ** **<span style="color: maroon; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">Not because of the enemies you’ve destroyed. ** **<span style="color: #333333; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">We salute your courage, ** **<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">Your bravery, ** **<span style="color: #660066; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">Your determination. ** **<span style="color: green; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">For serving like it all depended upon just you. ** **<span style="color: maroon; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">We salute you for the example you are to our generation. ** **<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">For your willingness to tell us about those life lessons. ** **<span style="color: #333333; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">For doing your job, even when no one thanked you… ** **<span style="color: green; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">Even when they hated you. ** **<span style="color: #660066; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">We salute you for living with the scars, ** **<span style="color: green; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">Both physical and emotional ** **<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">For your devotion to providing safety ** **<span style="color: maroon; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">To your country ** **<span style="color: #660066; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">To your fellow Americans ** **<span style="color: #333333; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">And to our generation. ** **<span style="color: red; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">(ALL)We all salute you. **

** // Introduction of Band Medley (Tim Kaetzel) // ** ** We have veterans here today from every branch of the armed services and we would like to honor you one last time by playing your branch song. As our band plays your song, please stand so we may recognize you for your service to our nation.” **

** // Band plays Medley of Armed Forces Songs (Tim announces-wait for Mr. Ward to look at you at the change of each song—there is a long intro) // ** ** The **** United States **** Army! ** ** The **** U.S. **** Coast Guard! ** ** The Marines! ** ** The **** United States **** Air Force! ** ** The **** U.S. **** Navy! ** ** // Closing (Adam Mank) // ** **<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">As we gather here today, veteran, your actions are remembered. We weren’t there when your life was on the line, or when you first became a man, but we are here today and today is dedicated to you. ** **<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">After interviewing several veterans, I learned that the lessons they learned are never ending. To Mr. Charles Hoak who took time out of his day to come and answer questions based on his experience—you sir, as well as every other veteran I have met, taught me humility. To my father and uncle—I thank you for instilling in me the meaning of service to country and dedication to something more important than self. All these individuals would not once call themselves heroes, but to me they always will be. They are all living examples of the lessons they teach and we, as the youngest generation can learn accountability; we can learn to be relied upon and used as tools for success. We can change the world and it is our responsibility to do so. ** **<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">For those heroes sitting in the seats in front of me, I would like to take the time and thank you one more time today. Thank you because you can’t be thanked enough. I can’t stand here and act like I know what you’ve been through because I don’t. But I can express to you my greatest appreciation for the years that so many have forgotten. Your stories will live on; you will live on in the eyes of the future because your stories live within us now. ** **<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; msobidifontweight: normal;">And to everyone else who is here, I hope you have taken away something from today. Realize that by looking at the veterans around you, just how serious the word hero truly is. Don’t use it lightly or throw it around, really decide who is a hero to you. It’s not the famous musician or athlete you adore, nor the movie star in every hit blockbuster at the theatre. Heroes are the men and women who gather here today representing their fallen brothers. As we walk out those double doors and go about the rest of our day, let this moment be a reminder to you all; A reminder never to be forgotten or lost; a reminder to make a mark on history. Thank the heroes in your life and contribute to the country they have built & protected. Veterans, you are our source opportunity and for that we forever salute you. ** ** // “We Salute Video” // ** ** // Final Closing (Adam Mank) // ** ** “This draws today’s ceremony to a close. We would like to draw your attention to the inside of the program where we have attempted to thank all of those who have contributed to today’s event. We also have a table in the foyer devoted to our care packages for the troops program. If you would like to write a thank you note for a soldier currently serving overseas, please stop by the table and do so. We will be accepting care package items until November 23rd here at **** Millbrook ** ** High School **** if you would like to donate. **  ** Tomorrow evening the Rolling Thunder POW/ MIA organization will hold their annual ceremony at the memorial in **** Jim ** ** Barnett ** ** Park ****. Everyone is invited. Tomorrow morning there is an American Legion celebration which begins at **** 10:30 **** at **** Shenandoah ** ** Memorial ** ** Gardens ** ** off of Rt. 522. Mr. Don Ratcliff is coming at this time to say a few brief words about this event. ** ** //<span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: times new roman; mso-bidi-font-style: normal; msobidifontstyle: normal;">Mr. Ratcliff Talks // ** ** (ADAM) Thank you Mr. Ratcliff. We would like to remind students to please remain in the auditorium until our veterans and special guests have been dismissed. And again, we thank you for your service and sacrifice. WE SALUTE YOU. ** ** // (Recessional music) // **