High school assembly honors veterans

Captain Steven Henderson spoke at Sisters' Veterans Day observances.

The Third Annual Veterans Day Celebration kicked off at Sisters High school last Thursday with "The Star Spangled Banner" and ended with "God Bless America."

The hour-and-a-half long assembly brought laughter, tears, and applause as veterans were honored for their sacrifice and service.

"In these times of pain, we look to you as an example," said senior Lindsey Warner as she welcomed the veterans in the auditorium.

Band teacher Jody Henderson then led the SHS band in a rousing medley of the five armed forces songs. As each song was performed, the veterans who had service in that particular branch of the military stood at attention.

In his welcome address, Principal Boyd Keyser praised the veterans for answering the call to defend their country.

"We are here to honor those who stepped forward when duty called," said Keyser. "We aren't here to glorify war -- war is a monstrous event that speaks to the worst of man's nature. But these men understood that freedom comes at a price -- a price they were willing to pay."

Vice principal Bob Macauley then introduced Captain Steven Henderson -- Jody Henderson's little brother.

"I want to encourage all of you here today to live like veterans," exhorted Henderson, who graduated from West Point and served two tours of duty as the leader of a helicopter platoon in Bosnia.

Henderson described four traits to emulate: selflessness, sacrifice, courage, and commitment.

After Henderson's challenging speech, the SHS concert choir lit hand-held candles as "Taps" played softly in the background. The candle-lighting ceremony was offered as a tribute to soldiers who had died while serving their country.

The choir performed two more songs, followed by junior Katie Engstrom reading an original poem.

Veteran Bill Peck spoke next, telling tales of his time of military service.

The assembly ended with the heart-swelling presentation of the flag. While the SHS band played a medley of patriotic songs (accompanied by the Sisters Community Choir and SHS Concert Choir), students stood at the balcony that overlooks the cafetorium and carefully unfurled the giant flag.

For those who were unable to attend the morning assembly, the celebration was repeated to a packed house Thursday evening.

SHS senior Logan Godsiff was scheduled to recite "Flanders Field" at the evening ceremony, but instead read a poem he'd written.

"T'was a time of light, yet darkness loomed/ A time of peace, yet peace was doomed.

"When evil danced and peace did fall -- "To arms, to arms!" men did call.

"And men did hearken to the heartfelt cry/ And left for war, to kill, to die/ To do the things men ought not do/ You gave your all--from my heart, Thank You.

For what you've done, I thank you all/ The ones who came, who heard the call."