Students learn about Loyalty Day

May 05, 2008 11:21 pm

— JEFFERSON — For the 16th year, students Monday at Jefferson Area High School celebrated Loyalty Day.
The event is a chance for the school and community to create a new loyalty, to both the country and the flag, said Principal John Plosila. Students enjoyed a more than two-hour long program filled with guest speakers, awards, music and recognition, including a special orientation to the U.S. flag.
Richard Davis, retired first sergeant of the Ohio National Guard, spoke to students about respecting the flag. He also conducted a flag folding ceremony with the help of two retired members of the U.S. Navy.
“It’s so easy for today’s generation to take freedom for granted,” Davis said. “The flag is so much a part of our daily lives.”
Davis also stressed the importance of disposing of flags in a dignified manner — by bringing them to a Veterans of Foreign Wars drop-off location, where they will be picked up and disposed of in a proper burning ceremony.
Several students were also recognized at the event. Amy Gilkerson and Levi Humes were both given awards for winning the American Legion Americanism and Government test contest. Gilkerson, a senior, and Humes, a sophomore, scored highest in their grade levels throughout the county.
Ashley Cook was also recognized for winning the Voice of Democracy speech contest. Cook presented her speech at the assembly.
Teacher Bruce Thompson was also honored for being named senior teacher of the year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, for both the state and the district.
William Seagraves, commander, Department of Ohio, Veterans of Foreign Wars, said, “It’s our veterans who fought our wars,” he said. “That’s loyalty.”
Seagraves said World War II veterans are the greatest generation of veterans. They left their home, beds and families to fight, while some dropped out of high school to fight.
“They fought a war on two fronts and then came home and started families,” he said.
“We have the smartest and bravest military this world has ever seen,” he said.
Seagraves urged folks to shake the hands of these service men and women when they return home and thank them for their service.
“They’re making it possible for you to do the things you do,” he said.

Photos

VETERANS OF Foreign Wars members salute the U.S. flag as the Jefferson High band plays the National Anthem during the 16th Annual Loyalty Day assembly Monday at Jefferson High. From left are Norman Manninen, George Dennison, George Householder, Marry Moore and Marlan Alderman. BILL WEST