West Brunswick High School held its eleventh annual Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 8. Hosted by the JROTC class, the school showed its support and reverence for America’s veterans, followed by performances from the school band, dance team and chorus.
“Like so many things we do here at WBHS, this event represents tremendous collaboration and teamwork among members of our school community,” Principal Scott Dalton said before introducing the first speaker of the ceremony, JROTC Captain Eric Carillo.
Carillo told the history of Veterans Day. The original holiday was first named Armistice Day and marked the ending of World War I, having been passed into legislation as a national holiday on November 11, 1918. The day was officially changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor those who served in World War II and the Korean war.
The West Brunswick High School band, following Carillo, performed “God Bless America” before inviting guest Herb Lynch to toast to the flag by reading a poem by John Daly.
The JROTC drill team performed before introducing the Brunswick Quilters Guild. This group, working with the WBHS color guard, gives back to Brunswick County veterans by presenting their annual Quilt of Valor, a red white and blue quilt signifying the bravery of those who served.
U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) Jim Rupkalvis took the stage honoring those who served by asking the audience to raise their hands if they are a veteran or a spouse or child of a veteran. He then asked those in the audience who had not raised their hands to rise and give a standing ovation to those who have served or are related to someone who has served.
“Military members choose to serve because we have a commitment to something bigger than ourselves, yet more than that the military sets conditions for being part of a close-knit community, held together by lifelong bonds with fellow service members and veterans,” Rupkalvis
After the speech from the former colonel, the WBHS dance team performed “Used to be,” before closing out the ceremony by handing out gifts to guests and those who helped set up the event. The ceremony wrapped up with a final thank you to those in the audience who had served and to veterans everywhere.
