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Veterans Day

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Karoline Scott
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Pride, patriotism, and genuine gratitude toward America’s service members were the sentiments that flooded the hallways of Highland Middle School during their annual Veteran’s Day celebration last Thursday Nov 10.

23 active duty men and women from all branches of service stationed at Scott spent the day at Highland interacting with and teaching students in the classroom.

Welcoming of Scott personnel to the middle school for Veteran’s Day celebrations has been school tradition for six years now.

Vincent Hughes, Highland’s Vice Principal, has coordinated the event for several years now and said “It is one of the best days of the school year. It is the perfect way for military members to get involved and interact with America’s youth.”

The volunteers spanned a wide range of ranks, carrier fields, and experiences. The day started early with volunteers gathering at 7:15am. From there, they were divided into different classrooms where they shared prepared presentations, fielded questions from students and, in many cases, assisted the faculty in teaching their daily lessons.

School Principal, Jeanie Probst, stressed the significance of the day saying “Our kids learn and see respect and courage in action with these men and women. They can be hard lessons to teacher and these folks epitomize all those things.”

Interaction continued into the lunch hours when the volunteers flashed back to middle school and enjoyed a good old-fashioned cafeteria lunch with the kids.

Enthusiasm from students and volunteers alike was apparent throughout the day. “It was the best experience I’ve had in a long time. I learned as much about the kids as they learned about me. These are truly great kids,” said Lt Col Daniel O’Connor, Chief of Deployment Branch in the Strategy, Plans, Policy and Programs Directorate at US TRANSCOM.

The day was capped off with a touching and inspirational assembly. The school chorus and band provided the soundtrack of the event and impressively played patriotic tunes that ranged from “The National Anthem” to “America the Beautiful”.

Veterans from local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars units posted the colors and sat beside active duty personnel throughout the ceremony.

The highlight of the day came when keynote speaker, 2Lt Carlos Bersabe, 375 Wing Executive Officer, took the stage and addressed the school with not only a self-written patriotic rap entitled “Give me Liberty or Give me Death” but a touching speech discussing everything from sacrifice to the Constitution to pride for self and country as well

Lt Bersabe, a native of the Philippians , shared personal stories saying “Today (November 10) is the anniversary of the death of my grandfather. He was the first person in my family to serve it the US military. That is a tradition that my brothers and I carry on today. Serving in the armed forces, I learn that you don’t have to be American born to experience American freedom. By speaking in front of you today, I carry on the legacy of my family and I’m making my grandfather proud.”

Lt Bersabe not only received a standing ovation, but moved several audience members to tears.

The final event of the day was a receiving line of all veteran’s and active duty guests. Students and faculty shook the hands of all the volunteers and thanked them for their service to their country.

The scene at Highland is one that was duplicated in other schools throughout the local area last Thursday. In all, nearly 60 Scott volunteers participated in celebrations at Highland Middle School, Carlyle Jr. High, and West Jr High and Franklin Elementary School, both located in Belleville.

These Veteran’s Day events are a great opportunity not only for the community to honor and thank the military and the millions of veterans who have served and gave there lives for this country but provides several outlets for military personnel to share their stories.

Though Veteran’s Day is celebrated but once a year, gratitude and respect for our service men and women is a sentiment that is expressed in this country year round. Don’t forget to say thanks next time you come face to face with a vet!