The Daniel Boone School District held its first Veterans Day event on Nov. 11 at the High School, Birdsboro.
High School Principal Thomas Hankel opened the ceremony that was attended by about 50 veterans and their families.
“We want to acknowledge, thank and recognize the members of our armed services — past and present,” said Hankel, adding that he grew up in the time of the Vietnam War when those veterans were not respected.
“We wouldn’t have our freedoms if was not for the sacrifices of our military.”
Hankel said that during the recent government shutdown, four young people lost their lives in Afghanistan and no one in the federal government realized that the families didn’t get death benefits.
That fact, combined with the very popular “Salute Seen Around the World,” of wounded Army Ranger Josh Hargis saluting from his hospital bed, Hankel said he felt it “was right to honor past and present military — and we will continue this.”
Seniors Cody Mitchell and Nick English helped organize the Veteran’s Day ceremony and also recognized each branch of the military for their different roles in protecting our freedoms, our country, as well as other countries.
High School Music Teacher Erin Benn led the school’s Select Chorus in singing “Footprints in the Sands of Time,” “America the Beautiful,” and “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Three gift certificates for the Exeter Diner, Exeter, and three gift certificates for Michael’s Diner, Douglassville, were awarded during a raffle drawing at end of the ceremony.
Mitchell said the gift certificates are just a small token of our appreciation.
“Thanks again for all you’ve done for our country,” said Mitchell.
