JEROMESVILLE — Service doesn’t always come with a uniform. Sometimes it’s a simple act of kindness — like honoring and serving veterans for a Veterans Day celebration.
Hillsdale Local Schools invited veterans to its gymnasium Friday, Nov. 13 for the annual Veterans Day Assembly. The program honored those who served — and shared with everyone the importance of service.
The assembly is intentionally scheduled after Veterans Day to give veterans more opportunities to attend other events surrounding the Nov. 11 holiday.
The assembly started with the presentation of colors by Jeromesville Boy Scout Troop 521, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mia Miller, and the Star-Spangled Banner played by the Hillsdale band.
The choir performed the Armed Forced Medley as veterans stood when their military branches were recognized.
Hillsdale not only honored veterans, but also students who have chosen to serve in the military after high school. The school’s Purple Star designation reflects its commitment to supporting all military-connected students and families.
One of the main messages of the assembly was from guest speaker Doug Baker, a U.S. Army veteran and former member of the Army Nurse Corps.
Cooper Baker introduced his father, Doug, who told stories from his military service and deployment to Afghanistan. Baker shared the importance of teamwork and responsibility required in military medicine.
“We all serve for something bigger than ourselves,” Baker said.
He explained that the same mindset works outside the military, and everyone has an important role to play.
“Service requires a mindset that you’re willing to give what you can afford, what you can offer and what you can do to the best of your ability,” Baker said.
Hillsdale High School Principal Tim Keib closed the assembly with a few final remarks challenging the students to carry the spirit of the program into their everyday lives.
Keib encouraged students to extend gratitude through acts of service over a simple thank you.
“My challenge is to my students, and to myself, to go into this Thanksgiving season with a renewed sense of gratefulness,” Keib said. “And to show how grateful we can be by serving one another.”
Some students put his message into practice before the morning was over.
Kitchen staff prepared a breakfast for the veterans while History Club and Kindness Club students served their food and beverage.
One of the event organizers, Scarlett Raines, said about 70 veterans attended the assembly.
Raines said they start planning the event in late September. The history club helps coordinate the program by selecting the speakers.
Louise Decker attended the event with her husband John, a Vietnam veteran who served two tours of duty. Decker said her husband volunteered to return to Vietnam after being stationed in Germany. He told his mother he could help save a married man from being killed.
Decker said her husband’s commitment to service is one reason she is proud to attend events that recognize veterans.
Keib’s message from Friday morning left the room with an important reminder.
Honoring veterans means recognizing their sacrifices. It also means carrying forward the legacy of service to support one another.
See more photos from the Hillsdale Veterans Day Assembly:
