WATERBORO — Students applauded veterans and learned a bit about their sacrifices in the annual, school-wide ceremony in observation of Veterans Day at Massabesic High School Thursday.
The event is hosted by the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps students, and Cadet Maelin Nutting emceed this year, sharing some history and welcoming several area veterans, from a variety of wars and different branches of the service, who attended.
“The American people are grateful to veterans, and all who have fought for our freedom,” she said, thanking the assembled veterans on behalf of the student body.
Pastor Jack Daniels of the Free Baptist Church in Limerick gave the keynote address.
“We give due respect and honor to these devoted men and women,” said Daniels, who discussed the heroics of World War II veterans who liberated the concentration camps in Europe. He also spoke to students about the constant threat of evil in the world and despots who abuse their people.
“Oppression should always be destroyed,” said Daniels. “We want to stay home, but we can’t when we see this activity. We have a human and moral mandate to free the masses from tyranny.”
Daniels showed students artifacts from WWII brought home by his father, who served in the European theater, including a swastika from a German soldier’s uniform and a torn handkerchief stitched with Adolf Hitler’s initials. He encouraged the students to read up on history and talk directly with veterans to hear their stories.
Among the veterans who were in attendance was Purple Heart WWII vet Roy Norton, who Daniels recognized individually for his bravery in storming Omaha Beach during the battles at Normandy.
The Massabesic choir performed the piece “I Believe,” a somber reflection on those who were subjected to the genocide of Hitler, while the school’s concert band later performed a medley of armed forces’ themes ”“ with veterans in attendance standing for their branch’s song.
Students also watched an inspirational video about learning the meaning of veterans’ sacrifices and were reminded that Veterans Day ”“ Monday, Nov. 11 ”“ honors both the dead and the living citizens who served their country.
— Kristen Schulze Muszynski can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 322 or [email protected].
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