Veterans Day
2017
By: Ashley Finch
December 12, 2017
Cranberry had the honor of presenting Mr. Johnny Flick with Cranberry’s first annual Veteran’s Day Award. It was a proud moment to be able to recognize Mr. Flick for his extraordinary accomplishments. He has been awarded the Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, has eight Army Commendation Medals, and his list goes on and on. Mr. John proudly served 32 years in our US military. He was quite deserving of Cranberry’s first annual Veteran’s Day Award.
Our very own Abigail Adams of the senior class was the speaker of the assembly. She began the assembly with asking the entire student body to rise for our nation's Pledge of Allegiance and the presentation of colors. The faculty, staff and students rose with respect and pride while we represented our nation, with the words “I pledge Allegiance.” Mr. Smith
informed us that after the assembly people came up to him from the community with tears in their eyes. “They told me how touched they were.” They said how much it meant to them that our student body stood to respect our country. “That’s what Cranberry is all about.” That being said, great job Berries on showing your respect for the ones that served this country.
Mr. Sheatz brought tears and goosebumps throughout the whole gym as he sang “Fallen but not Forgotten.” During the whole assembly poems and speeches expressed their gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice that a veteran gives. Mr. Sheatz expressed his gratitude through song.
Journalism had the opportunity to do LIVE interviews as well as written ones. Mr. Bradyn Louise was the coordinator for our Veterans Assembly. In his interview with Remington Slater, Rem asked, “What does Veterans Day mean to you?” His response was, “Veterans Day is a time to remember the ones that served this country. It’s a shame that we only celebrate the Veterans once a year. It should be something [that is] celebrated everyday.”
Ashley Finch talked to veterans before the assembly had begun. One of her interviews was with a man named Loid Perry. Loid was in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. One of the questions she asked him was, “Why did you join?” His answer was quite memorable. “Seven of us decided we wanted to join the military, and when we got there- I was the only one to show up.” He informed Ashley that this was something he wasn’t backing out of.
Senior High and Junior High Chorus also expressed their gratitude for our veterans by song. The Chorus had a huge part in the assembly, moving the audience with their touching songs all based on Patriotism. “God Bless America” and “Let Freedom Ring” were only a few of the songs that the chorus performed for us.
The Assembly ended with the presentation of colors. Cranberry represented our country well and let’s never forget the people that served this country and those that gave the ultimate sacrifice. All gave some, some gave all.