Sisters honors its veterans

Students at Sisters High School honored area veterans last Thursday in a moving school-wide assembly.

Veterans were treated to a warm breakfast and had the opportunity to visit, share stories, and not a few laughs. The veterans in attendance spanned the spectrum of our nation's conflicts, from World War II-including a Pearl Harbor survivor-to a young Marine private who had graduated boot camp only a few days prior.

After gathering for a group portrait, the veterans filed into the auditorium. Students Roy Gannon and Chayce Sproat led a large assembly of students and veterans in the Pledge of Allegiance. The SHS Jazz Choir then led the large and respectful crowd in singing the National Anthem.

After a brief introduction from Principal Joe Hosang - himself a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former heavy machine-gunner - the Concert Choir sang a spirited rendition of "The Armed Forces Salute," in which veterans from each branch of the armed forces were recognized.

After a slideshow presentation recognizing Sisters High School graduates who went on to serve in the military and a short video on the importance of Veterans Day, the keynote address was delivered by Sisters resident Dan Stewart, a 1971 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, who served on several ships at sea until earning his Naval Aviator wings in January, 1973.

Stewart, who retired from the Navy as a lieutenant, flew search-and-rescue and missile-retrieval missions while based at Pt. Mugu, in California. Between 1976-78 Stewart flew search-and-rescue and worked in fleet logistics out of Sigonella, Italy.

Stewart's message of sacrifice and duty, of the honor, courage, and commitment required of military service members and veterans, was illustrated by a brief history of Veterans Day - a result of the Armistice signed at the end of World War I - a video highlighting the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, and a single slide revealing the stark reality that over three million casualties, both dead and wounded, have been suffered by the United States' armed forces since their founding.

As part of his preparation for the Veterans Day presentation, Stewart contacted the offices of both Oregon Senator Ron Wyden and Arizona Senator John McCain. Both Senators wrote moving letters in response, addressed to the students of Sisters High School, which Stewart read to the assembly (see page 19).

Stewart, whose children have all attended SHS, told The Nugget, "This school has had a profound effect on our family, so when Joe (Hosang, SHS principal) asked me to do it, I wanted to make sure the kids understood the importance of being a veteran, and what Veterans Day means. To all of us. I wanted the kids to get some sense of the big story... and that things like standing for the National Anthem are what unites us."

Sophomore Lexi Stewart, a member of the school's leadership group, who was among the many SHS students serving breakfast to the veterans, told The Nugget that for her, Veterans Day is chance "to see what great men and women have done before us, and what we can do as a younger generation."

Freshman Lola Green, also a member of the leadership group, said that for her, Veterans Day "is a great opportunity to show respect - to give back and to show that we care."

Hosang told The Nugget that he is committed to continuing the tradition of honoring veterans.

"Sometimes the kids are told they should 'thank a veteran', and they do, but sometimes they may not understand what it means, or where it came from. As a group, the kids have great respect, because we have a great community, but this event continues to remind them of our foundation, and helps them understand the sacrifices."

After performances of "American Patrol" by the Outlaws Jazz Band, and "Peter Gunn" by the SHS Concert Choir, the veterans were treated to a reception.