It was our privilege to host a Veteran’s day assembly Friday afternoon.  The last week in October we notified parents through our email system that we would be having an assembly and if they knew of a Veteran we invite them to join us.  We received numerous email responses thanking the school for supporting the Veteran’s.  The Veteran’s represented theaters of combat from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq.   WHS NJROTC provided leadership for the assembly along with amazing armed and unarmed drill work.   Captain Tong was our guest speaker and provided a powerful message discussing the history of Veteran’s Day and the meaning to serve our country.   The end of the assembly was a moving experience, the WHS students and staff gave our Veteran guests a standing ovation with cheers, whistles, and thunderous applause.  For at that moment, 1200 clapping, cheering students and staff demonstrated honor and respect for our guests who gave, or currently giving, for our country.  After school on Friday I went home and reflected upon the assembly.  I logged on to my computer and looked at scanned pictures my father gave me of my grandfather in WWI with gas mask and full gear ready for departure for France.  Grandpa is gone, and I do not think I ever comprehended the price he paid for my freedom to think, speak, and demonstrate my beliefs in our great country.  I challenge you to find a Veteran and thank them for their service.  Have a great Veteran’s Day weekend.

Stewart Pratt