For Alan Landes, the scene in the Anderson High School gymnasium Tuesday morning was a vivid reminder of the rewards of his job.
Landes, the principal at AHS, said the school’s Veterans Day program is, “in my opinion, the best thing we do here all year long,” rivaled only by graduation.
Hundreds of students, staff and 25 veterans and active-duty service members gathered in the gymnasium to honor the veterans’ service and sacrifices.
Landes said the best part of the morning for him is seeing students interacting with the veterans who come to the program.
“It warms my heart,” Landes said. “I don’t think there’s a kid here that doesn’t have a veteran or a current service member within their family or friend group, and just to see how much they appreciate what these people are giving up for us, it’s just an awesome thing.”
Each veteran was recognized individually and alongside others from their military branch, as the AHS band played a medley of anthems from each branch of the Armed Forces.
During the convocation, a demonstration, which included a round table covered with a white cloth, a rose, a Bible and an empty chair, was performed to acknowledge those who are missing or have been captured in the line of duty.
Each item represented emotions felt by the loved ones of those missing. A single bell chime rang out after each item was described
Along with the presentations, Army Staff Sgt. Erick Aguilar served as the program’s guest speaker.
Aguilar said “it was truly an honor” to be part of the program and said he “was taken aback at how great this event was coordinated.”
“By the time you leave here today, I want you to have the answers to three questions,” Aguilar said in his speech. “Why do we celebrate Veterans Day? What is the significance of the holiday? Why is it important to you?
“Each of us has had an interaction with a veteran,” he continued. “Your teachers, mentors, family members, and even your peers, have or are currently wearing a uniform. These men and women who chose to serve are part of a privileged few – the few who took a step into a career steeped in tradition.”
Aguilar said “the city of Anderson and Madison County have contributed to that tradition,” with Anderson declaring support for the union during the Civil War and Anderson organizing the 34th Indiana Infantry Regiment, with volunteers from the city making up a large part of the regiment.
Cooper King, the senior class president, said he and his classmates place a high value on programs like Tuesday’s.
“This is one of my favorite convocations we do all year,” King said. “You can truly feel the gratitude in the room, and it’s great to acknowledge all the veterans that have helped serve our country.”
Jaliyah Hampton, the senior class vice president, agreed.
“It’s definitely something good we do every year,” Hampton said, “especially because we can acknowledge those that fought for our rights and our country. I think it’s something very special that we do.”
This article appeared in The Herald Bulletin.