LRMS Barking Points: Lind students gather in honor of veterans

For many proud Americans, honored veterans and true patriots, the 11th of November is a day to reflect on and remember all that America stands for. November 11 is the day the world was relieved from the Great War; it’s a symbolic lantern in a dark room, honoring all brave men and women that protect America’s freedom.

It is critical that everyone respects and celebrates Veterans Day, so the students of Lind-Ritzville Middle School participated in a Veterans Day assembly on Wednesday, Nov. 6, where students learned about the history of the patriotic holiday.

The assembly included Lind Elementary students, Lind-Ritzville Middle School students, local veterans and community members. It helped everyone realize how much our veterans do to support our country.

The fifth grade class at Lind Elementary began the assembly by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The Lind-Ritzville Middle School seventh and eighth grade band followed with their performance of the Star Spangled Banner, and later, another patriotic tune called “Then Come the Heroes”.

The Lind-Ritzville Middle School ASB led the assembly by expressing gratitude towards veterans and reciting some patriotic poetry. Mr. Guy Strot, principal of Lind-Ritzville Middle School, presented an enlightening and empowering speech regarding the different freedoms that our veterans uphold and protect.

After the assembly, students and staff were encouraged to personally thank the local veterans. It was a patriotic scene, with pride and respect soaring through the air.

Everyone, including the students of Lind-Ritzville Middle School, need to understand the rich history behind Veterans Day. Although World War I didn’t officially end until June 28, 1919, fighting of the Great War reached an armistice on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.

On the first anniversary of Nov. 11 in 1919, Americans celebrated Armistice Day to reflect on the lives sacrificed for their country and to show pride that the world was at peace again. Armistice Day was recognized with community parades, public gatherings, and the closing of businesses starting at 11 a.m.

It was made into a legal holiday on the May 13, 1938. When World War II called on the hearts of 16 million soldiers and then the Korean War deployed 5.7 million more, it became clear that the celebration of Armistice Day needed to include veterans of all wars.

On June 1, 1954, Armistice Day was transformed into Veterans Day and the holiday continues to show our nation’s heroes how grateful we truly are.

Veterans Day can be associated with many things: pride, respect, bravery, courage, and patriotism. All of these traits are essential to withhold in the future of America. The students of LRMS participated in a Veterans Day assembly in order to learn more about the strong history behind Nov. 11.

This Veterans Day, try to remember the words of John. F. Kennedy: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”