On Wednesday, November 9th, Juniata High School held its annual Veterans Day Assembly. Mr. Apple opened the assembly by describing the freedoms we have today in America. A prayer was then given, followed by our marching band’s rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” 

Mr. Strawser came onstage and gave a roll call of the 75 Juniata County soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in wars past. He continued by saying that though we may recognize their last names, it's highly unlikely that our grandfathers or great grandfathers were among them because “life for them was cut way too short.”  Mr. Strawser also recognized our guest veterans who came to the high school to participate in the ceremony. 

He then announced the place winners for the Voice of Democracy speeches and welcomed contest winner Chelsea Ehrenzeller to the stage to give her speech. Chelsea shared her speech about our responsibility to America, saying that “We shouldn’t just thank our veterans; we should show them we are thankful by living lives that [will] bring them satisfaction.” To do that, she says, “We should honor them by loving our neighbors, showing no judgement, having kindness, and by being responsible for ourselves.” 

After Chelsea’s speech, Mr. Strawser returned to explain why Veterans Day means so much to him personally, sharing that his uncles and father were all drafted into previous wars. This was followed by Mr. Strawser's announcement that Bailey Hackenberry, candidate for the Tuscarora Party, was the winner of the JHS Mock Presidential Election. The assembly concluded with the firing of the rifles in a 21 gun salute and Jordan Abram playing Taps.