To celebrate Veterans Day, Center Grove honored veterans with the annual convocation as well as displaying a flag made of 1,200 stars outside the Media Center.
During today’s convocation, JROTC cadets presented the flags while CG Singers performed the national anthem.
“As All-Student Body President, I was invited to speak at the program; however, Mrs. Perkins and our social studies department planned the Veterans Day program,” senior Tenley Wilkins said. “She did an amazing job with choosing our guest speaker, Mr. Kevin Rankel, the father of fallen Veteran, Sargent John Rankel.”
The senior class had the opportunity to attend the program in-person for the first time, while the underclassmen watched the live stream of the program from their STaR classrooms. Senior Amy Weier was one student who was able to enjoy the program from the auditorium this year.
“My favorite part was actually right at the beginning,” Weier said. “The choir sang the National Anthem and JROTC showed the colors of the flag. It was cool to see how involved the students can get in the day of remembrance.”
The effort of everyone involved in the organization of the Veterans Day program was a way to show appreciation for veterans who have sacrificed for the country.
“The purpose of the program was to spread awareness and respect to those who have served our country from younger students, who may not understand what great sacrifices not only our veterans give to serve our country, but also the sacrifices of the friends and family who are close to the veterans,” Wilkins said.
Hearing the experience of speaker Kevin Rankel, father of former CG student John Rankel who was killed in action during his third deployment, students were able to gain respect and knowledge for the armed forces and veterans.
“Through the presentation, I learned just how many people came from our small corner of the world and had the opportunity to fight for freedom,” Weier said. “It’s easy to forget what all we have to be grateful for and all that has been lost for our freedom. This program reminded me that millions of soldiers and their families have suffered for my happiness and safety.”
