On November 10, the Shanksville-Stonycreek School District remembered and recognized those that have fought, and those that are still fighting for our country’s freedom, during a Veterans Day assembly.

Veterans Day is a respected day by the administration, and faculty in the Shanksville School District. Each year they try to find new ways for students to learn about what those individuals do and have done for us. Every November the students of SSSD are educated as the Veterans Day assembly through a certain  guest speakers wise words.

New this year, several students were recognized for their outstanding essays for the Berlin Veterans of Foreign War Patriotism essay contest for Middle School students. Maria Petrosky received 1st, Madison Hunt received 2nd, and Avery Custer recieved 4th. The awards were presented by Joe Baker, representing the Berlin VFW.

To begin the ceremony, a veterans day poem called “Freedom is not Free” by Ashley Persyn, was read by Student Council Vice President, Trista Stutzman. Then Student Council President, Madison Walker introduced the guest speaker for the assembly.

This year the guest speaker was Col Robert G. Munhall. Col Munhall talked to the students about what veterans day first started out as and what it has turned into today. He not only had the students recognize what the many men and women do for everyone, but what everyone can do for them. Through his words students, teachers, and faculty were given a better understanding of what it means to be an American.

Along with Munhall’s presentation, two students from the Shanksville High School were awarded the American Legion Citizenship awards.

Hannah Hunt and Jesse Bittner were the recipients of the awards and were presented by Col Robert Munhall.

Veterans Day is always a recognized and respected day at Shanksville-Stonycreek School District. The students and faculty will always remember those veterans the risk their lives and have risked their lives for every American’s freedoms.