Hiland NHS relishes tradition of honoring veterans
A group of veterans turns their attention to the flag during the playing of the national anthem at the Nov. 11 Veterans Day celebration at Hiland High School.
The medley performance of the United States Armed Forces’ five service songs and a rendition of taps were part of a Veterans Day event at Hiland High School on Monday, Nov. 11 in the Perry Reese Jr. Community Center.
More importantly, the moment captured another opportunity for the student body, community and others to celebrate and honor area veterans who have faithfully served their country.
The members of American Legion Post 494 Sugarcreek Color Guard presented the colors to begin the proceedings.
Hiland High and Middle School instrumental music teacher and National Honor Society adviser Zach Rearick said preparing for this special day is something the group takes great pride in because they recognize the importance of it and how meaningful it is to remember and honor those who served.
He said the NHS students and other young people take on major roles because it gives them a sense of purpose.
“All students need to be a part of the growing adult force, and it’s important for these young people to grow up into leadership positions because we need people willing to take initiative and direct those around them and inspire others around them to bring about good in our world,” Rearick said. “Getting to honor our veterans is one example of that.”
He said allowing the students to sit down and converse with the veterans prior to the event gives them more insight by hearing the stories these veterans are able to share about serving others.
“These veterans perfectly exemplify what leadership looks like,” Rearick said.
Rearick said most NHS students already possess many of the qualities needed to become leaders in their communities, not just because they possess intelligence and a strong GPA, but also because they are able to showcase communication skills and a willingness to serve others in their communities.
Following the color guard marching the flags into the Reese Center, the Hiland Varsity Singers and the Berlin Elementary second-graders provided patriotic musical numbers.
That was followed by an introduction of all the veterans in attendance, as well as a symphonic tribute to all five Armed Forces, with the Hiland band playing theme songs of each branch of service as their respective flags were displayed by NHS members.
A trio of members from the color guard then presented the folding of the American flag before member Randy Shupbach read the poem “Just a Common Soldier,” which was particularly touching because he said he had read the poem at his father’s funeral.
The poem focuses on the passing of an unnamed veteran whose passing doesn’t garner the accolades of more famous people but whose life served incredible importance nonetheless.
Before the color guard ushered the U.S. flag out of the gymnasium, Rearick presented a rendition of taps.
Hiland NHS members Zeke Bodiker and Gabrielle Freeman, president and vice president of Hiland NHS, respectively, served as emcees for the event, providing insight into the proceedings as they took place.
Bodiker said creating this event is special for both the veterans and the NHS members who help craft it, as well as the community, which turned out to show support.
“As a group this means so much that we can come together and work to show how grateful and thankful we are to have veterans in our community who chose to protect us and still have people protecting us today,” Bodiker said. “This is such a great experience for the school, the community and the veterans, and it’s something we in the NHS will remember having been involved with for a long time.”
He said Rearick deserved the bulk of the kudos for organizing the event, noting the music teacher did a terrific job of leading the NHS students through the process.
Army veteran Bill Fankhauser Jr. said this event is one the veterans all cherish because of the thoughtfulness and gratitude behind the actions taken by the Hiland NHS and the community.
“This is my fifth year, and they’ve all been excellent, but this one really struck me, maybe because of all of the little second-graders pouring out their hearts when they sang,” Fankhauser said. “It is always an honor to come here for this.”
Like many veterans, Fankhauser doesn’t want people to recognize him individually for what he did, but rather to show support for all who served because of the importance of remembering everything that was sacrificed.