By Chris Pendery
On November 6th, Rockcastle County High School held its annual Veterans Day program in order to observe the holiday and show respect for those who have served in our armed forces. The program included several performances from the R.C.H.S. chorus, a brief overview of the history of Veterans Day from Mr. Reppert, and personal presentations from Army Recruiter S.F.C. Lones and Mr. Jerry Payne from the American Legion.
The Veterans Day program was kicked off with the posting of the American and Kentucky State flags. The flags were presented by the JROTC color guard (Samantha Bussell, Colt Walker, Caitlyn Burke, and Benjamin Whitaker). As the colors were being posted, the R.C.H.S. chorus sang the National Anthem.
Mr. Reppert began the individual presentations with a brief history of Veterans Day and the story of one local Vietnam veteran, Pvt. David M. Smith, a Congressional Medal of Honor winner who sacrificed his life for his fellow soldiers during the Vietnam War.
After Mr. Reppert’s presentation, the chorus sang a number of patriotic songs before Sergeant First Class (SFC) Lones gave his speech. S.F.C. Lones began by telling some of the values that the men and woman of the armed forces live by. He followed his portion of the program by saying, "Freedom is not free, freedom is paid with blood, sweat, and tears."
The final testimony came from Mr. Jerry Payne, a United States Navy and Vietnam veteran. When asked how it felt to be a veteran, Mr. Payne replied, "It’s hard to explain, being a veteran is something that has to felt in the heart."
Veterans Day holds a place in the minds and hearts of many Americans. To many, observing this holiday is to show respect for the men and woman who deserve it most. Rockcastle County High School has taken part in preserving that respect throughout all generations and continues honoring this holiday and the veterans that make it what it is.