San Rafael’s 40th annual Veteran’s Day program

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

San Rafael Junior High celebrated its 40th anniversary of the Veteran’s Program. Sam Singleton when he was principal at the school started the Veterans day program. Singleton was in attendance this day on the 40th anniversary of the program. Red Hess, John Healy and Sam Wilbanks presented the flag ceremony.
The San Rafael choir presented a patriotic number.
Several students presented information on various subjects on the founding principles of the United States of America including: individual liberty, federalism, limited government, representative government, private property, all men are created equal and separation of powers or checks and balances. Studentbody president, Teryn Allred welcomed the students, parents and veterans to the program. “Our program today will focus on the freedoms we enjoy enshrined in our founding documents. The Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and the bill of rights. We hope to emphasize how the men and women who have served in all branches of the military have sacrificed to protect the rights and privileges we enjoy as Americans. Our founding documents contain several principles that have made our country the beacon of freedom and democracy to the world. Today we want to remind you of these principles and encourage us all to gain a greater understanding and respect for them in our daily lives,” said Allred.
Everyone has individual liberty and the ability to control our own destiny. Many immigrants traveled to America seeking religious freedom believing that this freedom is not granted by a government but rather by divine providence.
Federalism guards against threats by other nations. Utah is proud to be part of this great nation and one of the 50 states that make up the United States of America. This is a uniquely American system where each state can make its own laws but also be part of federal laws which govern all the states. At one point in history, the states were divided on whether or not slavery should be allowed. Some states were for and some against. Abraham Lincoln said when the constitution was signed by each state they agreed to abide by the constitution.
The powers of the government lie in the branches and not in one person like a king.
Connor Creamer said, “Thomas Jefferson summed up the principle of federalism when he said, “I consider the foundation of the constitution as laid on this ground that all powers not delegated to the United States by the constitution nor prohibited by it to the states are reserved to the states or to the people.”
This system of representative government has been passed down from generation to generation. We just witnessed the election of new officials. In a republic, the power is derived from the body of the people. Offices are held for a limited time.”
Thomas Jefferson said people have the right to pursue their own happiness as long as it doesn’t infringe upon the rights of others. We can enjoy the fruits of our labors. We have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The balance of power between the three branches of government is used so there can be a balance and so the best decisions can be made for the country. Be grateful for our founding fathers instructed the San Rafael students. “This system of government has weathered change and conflict for the past 230 years.” The students thanked the veterans for swearing an oath and duty to preserve our freedoms. “Those in the military have made it possible to retain the freedom we enjoy.
Principal Doug Mecham said this is the last year the junior high will be a junior high, next year it will be a middle school. As the last project for the San Rafael Junior High they will create a wall of honor. They are seeking pictures for the wall.
Lou Sansevero, veteran spoke to the audience. He said Veteran’s Day is observed as the day the guns fell silent in World War I. In 1919,
President Woodrow Wilson renamed Armistice Day to the day now known as Veteran’s Day to honor all those who have served. “Many returned home broken, many did not return and will remain forever young. We learned the names of many foreign sounding places, Many ranks of veterans have stepped up to be counted. I’ve heard it described in this way. Veterans wrote a blank check for an amount up to and including their life. That is honor. There are way too many people in this country that do not understand that. Thank God, there will be those among you that will write that check.”
Sansevero spoke of the pride the members of the military feel for their respective branches. He said in the Marines, there are no former Marines, only those who have passed on. He is still a Marine, even though he is approaching 70 years of age. His six pack and most of his muscles are gone, but being a Marine was earned on Paris Island and other places. Once earned it cannot be given away. It is said the streets of heaven are guarded by Marines.
The mascot of the Marines is the bulldog for its tenacity.
Sansevero related the analogy of the sheep dog for all military and first responders. Most Americans are like sheep and the sheep dog is the warrior who protects and defends the sheep. The wolves will feed on the sheep without mercy, it is the job of the sheep dog to defend and protect the sheep, sometimes to the point of lying down its life for the sheep. Sheep dogs have the capacity for violence in order to protect the sheep.
“Being a sheep dog is how I define my military service,” said Sansevero, “On behalf of all veterans, thank you for honoring us today.”
Principal Mecham said the school will have a penny war to raise funds for the freedom wall. “Freedoms are precious, I hope you as young people will understand it. I challenge all of us to be vigilant, active and brave upholding the principles of this great nation. We honor you and thank you for your service. The motto of our school is bull dogs show respect,” said Principal Mecham.
The entire studentbody had their pictures taken with the veterans at the program.