Royster MS Veterans Day Assembly has brought tears and smiles for many years
You know an event is truly special when both tears and smiles are seen on folks’ faces. For years, Royster Middle School’s Veterans Day Assembly has been a tradition that does exactly that.
“I’ve seen teachers witness the assembly and be brought to tears and smiles are a mile wide,” said event organizer Wendy Jones, a history teacher and track coach at RMS. “The takeaways are different for different people but it always amazes me how many veterans and their family members take time on that day to honor us with their presence. I just hope they know how honored we are to have them with us.”
The assembly started in 2009 or 2010. “Sandy Wheeler, who has since retired, and I started it as a tribute to our local veterans as a community service project after a conversation with a local veteran,” Jones said.
It takes weeks to choreograph the affair that transforms the gymnasium.
“I do a lot behind the scenes but the students are an intricate part of the assembly because it’s important for them to be as involved as possible—it’s a gift from our school to our local friends, family and veterans,” Jones said. “It gives me a great sense of appreciation because my husband served in the Navy. We have fathers and mothers of students who have served. In the past, we’ve had staff members or their spouses who have served. It is a time to come together and honor others.”
See VETERANS, Page 8.
Music is an integral part of the assembly.
“Our high school band plays patriotic music as well as the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ and ‘Taps.’ Our student council president starts off with a welcome to our guests and another student leads the Pledge of Allegiance,” Jones said. “Selected eighth-graders carry branch flags and read the sacred casualty list. The best part of the assembly is when the veterans stand, introduce themselves and talk about their time in the service.”
In past years, 50 to 80 veterans — including many Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion members — have attended the assembly.
“I hope they feel appreciated and seen,” Jones said. “I always love to see the students’ reactions when veterans, people they know, stand up to be recognized. It’s a time when students can learn a little bit about giving back, putting others first and how to honor those who have chosen to sacrifice for our country. We’re fortunate to live in the greatest country in the world but its on the backs of those who volunteer to serve and put their lives on the line for you and me.”
