ISHPEMING - Aspen Ridge Middle School students learned about the importance of Veterans Day Monday.
Included was the posting of colors by the color guard of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380 at the assembly, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.
After the eighth-grade band played "Marches of the Armed Forces," Principal Linda Ludwig read a brief history on Veterans Day.
The Aspen Ridge eighth-grade band directed by Betsy Grugin plays “Marches of the Armed Forces” at the school’s Veterans Day assembly Monday. (Journal photo by Adelle Whitefoot)
"In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, became the focal point of reverence for America's veterans," Ludwig read from the history found at Kids for Our Troops. "Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation's highest place of honor.
"These memorial gestures all took place on Nov. 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., Nov. 11, 1918 . The day became known as Armistice Day."
Ludwig went on to read that in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day. After the history was read, Voices in Motion Jr. and the elementary chorus performed "Song for the Unsung Hero."
Guest speaker U.S. Army Capt. Jason Rolling then talked about when he first realized he was a veteran. He said it was in the airport when he was coming home.
"I was getting off the plane and there was 29 of us all dressed in (Army combat uniforms) and it was like the parting of the Red Sea," Rolling said. "There in the terminal, thousands of people all started applauding and moved out of the way. We even got a police escort to our next flight.
"I can't even explain to you what that felt like. There wasn't a dry eye in the place."
Rolling said that was the day he realized it was different for him. He went on to explain that everyone has a different reason for serving in the military and that he joined because it was something that was bigger than him. Rolling ended his speech by asking everyone to think about someone they appreciate and then tell that person why they do.
The assembly also included a history of "Taps," with students Rylee Perry, Megan Pohlman, Jarod Anttila and Breigh Bennett playing "Taps" as the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380 presented the colors.
Closing the event was a demonstration and explanation of the official U.S. flag folding ceremony.
Adelle Whitefoot can be reached at 906-486-4401.