Thank You Veterans!

On Friday, November 10, 2023, the New Richmond Middle School held its annual Veterans Day Ceremony. They have been hosting this event for close to 25 years, and it seems to be getting bigger and better each year. The entire school body attends and takes part in the ceremony. Each grade level is invited to wear a patriotic color to celebrate the event.

The event began with a ceremony in the gymnasium that included performances by our 8th Grade Band, Choir, and Orchestra. The 8th Grade class works very hard to put this all together. After a welcome speech by Principal Hatch, three 8th Grade students took to the podium to read their winning essays on the theme "How do Veterans Inspire Me?" to the crowd of over 300 Veterans and visitors. This year's winners were: Ethan Oldberg, Abbie Hill, and Adele Ament.

This year, our Keynote Speaker was Retired 1st Sergeant, Bobbi Jo Bryant. Sergeant Bryant was in the Army for 20 years and has an extensive list of assignments and medals during her tenure. Sergeant Bryant was also part of two tours during her service. Sergeant Bryant is the first female Veteran to speak at our event and she gave a very inspiring speech.

The American Legion Post 80 and the VFW Post 10818 highlighted the event by posting the colors and folding the flag. They were led into the gymnasium by bagpiper and New Richmond Teacher, Kieran DuHoux. The event finished with the playing of TAPS performed by Mr. Mealey and our 8th Grade trumpeters.

After the ceremony, all guests were invited to look at the Veterans Wall of Honor and visit the Veterans Museum in the Middle School Media Center after enjoying some coffee and cookies provided by our School Nutrition Staff. Each 8th Grade student interviewed and built an honorarium for their Veteran. This year, we had over 240 projects that adorned the Media Center.

The 8th Grade History classes were then visited by two active Veterans; SGT First Class David Daley and SGT Emily Martis. Each Veteran spoke to the students about their service and travels that they have experienced during their enlistment and answered questions from the students.

The 8th Grade History Department would like to thank everyone who helped out and made this event possible. It is something that the students love to put on and gives them a real look into the service of our United States Veterans and its importance.