A student-led Veterans Day Assembly was held at Poplar Bluff Middle School, honoring service men and women in attendance going as far back as the Greatest Generation who fought in World War II.
"We owe everything to you," stated Sen. Doug Libla, who participated in the event on Friday, Nov. 9, at E.T. Peters Gym.
Students provided a history lesson on wars and conflicts involving the United States up until present time, performing a special tribute after each presentation.
"We hope you leave here with a renewed appreciation for the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families," said six graders Carson Sittig and Nolan White, during the opening dialogue.
After the initial lecture on WWII, Clayton Jones of the sixth grade performed a skit interviewing his grandfather Charles Jones in front of the student body. Charles talked about his five uncles-Albert, Jake, Daniel, Mick and Arnold Sullivan of the Greenville area-each of who "saw action" during the war. Charles also happens to be the father of Assistant Principal Angie Jackson.
A first-hand poem by a veteran was read during the Korean War portion; "The White Table" ceremony was acted out in remembrance of Vietnam; "God Bless America" was sung in tribute of the Persian Gulf War; and the Honor Choir sang "In Service of Our Country" acknowledging the invasion of Afghanistan and the Iraq War.
An annual tradition of the Middle School beginning in 1997, "Armed Forces on Parade" was played and veterans were asked to stand when they heard the theme song of their respective branch to an ovation of the crowd. The ceremony concluded with Cody Daughertee, a PBHS senior, performing a trumpet solo of taps before the JROTC retired the colors. Guests were treated to refreshments supplied by Chartwells in the library.
The rest of the schools across campus observed the holiday as well with special events and activities honoring veterans. Later on Friday, the city of Poplar Bluff earned a "Veteran-Friendly Community" designation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which takes into account education, among other metrics.
Above: Charles Jones talks to his grandson Clayton about the student's five great-uncles, "the Sullivan boys" (not to be confused with the famous Sullivan brothers), who fought together in WWII.
Below: The only WWII veteran in attendance, Robert Thacker salutes during a heartfelt performance of taps.
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