The San Rafael students held their annual Veteran’s Day program on Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. Studentbody president Lon Huntsman welcomed everyone to the program. He recognized Veteran Sam Singleton as being the first principal at San Rafael Junior High and also a current school board member.
A number of students participated and gave information about Veteran’s Day. It was originally named Armistice Day. It was to signify and recognize the end of World War I. It was the 11th month, llth hour and 11th day when the war stopped. The war left 11 million dead and 21 million wounded as well as 7 million injured and dead civilians.
The San Rafael choir sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The speakers said Veterans answered the call on the ground, air and water to serve their country. Serving their country was a high and holy calling. Every generation has the opportunity to be as great as the one before. Everyone can leave a legacy behind for those to follow.
A video of the candy bomber Gail Halvorson was shown. He began by giving out two pieces of gum to the children of the war. Then he began dropping candy to them in parachutes made from handkerchiefs. As people began to hear about what he was doing they donated candy and handkerchiefs to the cause. These were parachutes of hope. Halvorson on the video said when things are tough you have to help people. Perform service and get out of yourself. The gratitude that comes back is amazing. All can serve in small ways even in the worst of times.
The students at San Rafael have been involved in a competition where they have raised money for Honor Flight. The grandpa of teacher Jerret Gilbert recently returned from honor flight. He is Melvin Gilbert and he was in attendance at the program on Veteran’s Day.
The students brought in pennies and change to donate. They raised $579.92 to donate to Honor Flight. “I want to thank the students for their enthusiasm for this project,” said Principal Mecham.
This program takes Veterans to Washington DC to see the World War II monument and other monuments. One thousand World War II Veterans are passing away each day.
A video of Honor Flight was shown. The response of the people for the Veterans involved in Honor Flight is amazing. They greet them in the airports and shake their hands and applaud them. In the airport the people came out of the stores to greet the Veterans. In the video one Veteran couldn’t believe all the recognition was for him and for his friends that died in the war. On the plane they have a mail call. The Veteran’s receive mail from loved ones. Mail from home in a war zone was sometimes the only thing that kept the soldiers going. It was amazing to watch those on Honor Flight open their mail. The letters of thanks for their service kept everyone in tears. For three days those who go on Honor Flight are treated to deep appreciation from the American people wherever they go.
The wall of remembrance has 4,000 stars and each representing 100 lives given in the war. The caption at this monument is, “Here we mark the price of freedom.”
Those on the Honor Flight are sometimes the only survivors of entire units. They spend a lot of time remembering those who were lost. One Veteran said, “It’s a very profound and touching experience.”
Freedom isn’t free. One Vietnam Vet said in the video it was very emotional to see the names of his friends that died in the conflict. The people at the Wall that showed their appreciation for the Veterans was very touching. They didn’t receive a warm welcome when they returned from the actual Vietnam War. “I want to thank you guys for what you’ve done. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for allowing us to come on this trip. A lot of people cared and I didn’t know anybody did,” said the Veteran.
Jerret Gilbert read a tribute to his grandpa Melvin Gilbert.
After the video, McKay Meccariello spoke, “Veterans are just regular men and women who are humble and dedicated. They are shining reflections. They are visible symbols of the land we love.”
Huntsman said, “May we live lives of service to one another and to the USA.”
Huntsman accepted a donation from Desertview Federal Credit Union. McKenzie Guymon presented a check for $579.92. The credit union pledged to match what the students had raised for the project. Principal Mecham said other community members donated to the project and the grand total was $1,484.84. “We are honored to help Mr. Gilbert and to donate to Honor Flight. We realized that Mr. Gilbert hadn’t received his diploma for graduation from high school because he went to serve in the war. We have written a letter to the school board requesting an honorary diploma for Mr. Gilbert.
“We thank the students that presented this program. It’s tough for history teachers, we have sentiments for those who served our country. We hope the students will develop these sentiments as they grow. We honor your service. Those who serve should be our heroes. Give respect, because of their service we can come to school. Thank you for your service,” said Principal Mecham.
After the program the San Rafael students lined up to thank and shake the hands of the local Veterans attending the program.
Thanks to our Veterans from San Rafael
"San Rafael students greet the Veterans."