Music teachers and students at North Caroline High School and Lockerman Middle School came together for a special Veterans Day evening celebration in the NCHS auditorium.
Following a welcome by NCHS Principal Matt Spiker, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Unit 648 posted the Colors (flags), NCHS student Peyton Solloway led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and NCHS Choir Director Randall Butler sang the National Anthem.
LMS Principal Jeannine Necessary recognized veterans in attendance, and NCHS Student Government Association (SGA) members shared what students stated Veteran’s Day means to them. While members of the VVA demonstrated the folding of the flag, NCHS Choir students read facts about the stars and stripes. The LMS and NCHS combined choir sang Music Changes the World and Thank You Soldiers, and the combined bands played God Bless America , accompanied by LMS music teacher Leroy Potter.
Commander Kenley from Unit 648 of the Vietnam Veterans of America led veterans in “The Round Table” presentation. Also known as the Missing Man Table or Fallen Comrade Table, this is traditionally a part of military ceremonies. The table is set with several items that represent prisoners of war or service people missing in action. A narration given to the audience explains the symbolism of each item set on the table.
Cmdr. Kenley also took the opportunity to ‘pin’ Vietnam veterans in attendance with the commemorative lapel pin, given to members serving in a specific 20 year period during the Vietnam War.
NCHS student Tailynn Miron provided remarks about her experiences growing up in a military family and the events that inspired her to enlist in the U.S. Army following graduation.
The event ended with NCHS student Tommy Friel playing Taps on the trumpet, and closing remarks from Ms. Butler.
Prior to the event, the community was invited to share photos from their service or the service of a family member. Many were received, and a slideshow was created and shown during the evening.
Also prior to the event, the NCHS Leo Club organized care packages that were made available to any veteran in attendance.
Photos from the event and the slideshow may be found on the CCPS Flickr page.