Veterans Day assemblies on Nov. 11 celebrated local servicemen and women at St. James middle and high schools. GySgt. Todd Snyder, USMC (Ret.) and First Lt. Steven Holt, U.S. Army National Guard delivered speeches.

The morning event was held at the high school with Dr. Greg Harlan, St. James High School Principal, introducing Johnny Perkins as the emcee for the assembly.

“Please rise, if you are able, out of respect and gratitude as Sgt. 1st Class Brian Beard posts the colors,” Perkins said.

The Chamber Choir performed the “National Anthem” and Perkins thanked everyone for attending.

“We are here to honor those who have made great sacrifices for our freedoms as Americans,” he said. 

Any student who plans to enlist following graduation or has already enlisted was encouraged to stand and be recognized.

“Thank you for choosing a life of service,” Perkins said.

Students led and participated in the ceremony. Autumn French read a speech honoring veterans. The poem “Best on Earth” was read by Alexi Pippin and Ava Snyder read the poem “Take a Moment.”  The St. James Red Regiment Band also played “God of Our Fathers.” 

Ava Snyder introduced her father GySgt. Todd Snyder as the guest speaker. He served for 20 years in the US Marine Corps, serving in Iraq, South America and Haiti. He was awarded a commendation with valor in combat and received the Navy Commendation V Device.

Snyder started his speech with a quote from George W. Bush. 

“Throughout the course of American history, courageous men and women have taken up arms to secure, defend, and maintain these core principles upon which our nation’s freedoms depend,” Snyder recited before beginning his speech. “Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed veterans, and guests, my name is Retired Gunnery Sergeant Snyder, I served just over 20 years. I knew what I was going to do, I feel like, my whole life. I spent over 300 days delayed entry. I graduated high school, turned 18 and left for my first bootcamp within an eight-day span. My first enlistment was in the Navy as a corpsman.

“I wanted to be a combat medic with the Marines and something I bet most of you won’t know is the Marine Corps doesn’t have medics, they are supplied by the Navy. When my first enlistment was up, I was told I needed to rotate to a hospital. I told them I only joined the Navy to be with Marines and if they were going to send me to a hospital, I would just get out and join the Marine Corps. They basically said ‘no, you won’t because you will have to start all over again with Marine Bootcamp.’ Twenty-eight days after my enlistment was up in the Navy, I was standing on the yellow footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD). I would have gone sooner but that’s the quickest turnaround I could get. 

“Long story short, I spent half my time in pre 9/11 and the other half, obviously, post 9/11. Been around the world a few times and I can say without a doubt this is the best county. 

“Enough about me, we gather to pay tribute to the extraordinary individuals who have worn the uniform of our nation’s armed forces. Not all of them wore Marine Corps dress blues, but, hey, we can’t all be perfect. Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a solemn promise to remember.

“We think of the young men and women who left the comfort of their homes to face unknown dangers. We acknowledge those who missed birthdays, holidays and precious moments with loved ones while serving far from home. We recognize the sacrifices made not just by those in uniform, but by the families who supported them through long deployments and anxious nights.

“To our veterans: Our service has shaped the country we live in today. We have defended our freedoms, protected our values, and shown us the true meaning of courage. From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, we have faced challenges most people could never imagine, we have seen evil and the horror of what man can do one another.

“Most people will never understand that when we are deployed, the man to our right and left is all we have. We would rather come home horizonal then let them down. Failure or quitting is never an option. We bring these leadership, discipline, and sense of duty ideals back to our communities. We have become teachers, first responders, business leaders and neighbors.

“To the families of our veterans: Your strength and sacrifice have not gone unnoticed. You’ve kept the home fires burning during deployments, provided comfort during difficult times and shown incredible resilience in the face of uncertainty. I would like the thank you as well. I would especially like the thank my wife, Lorri, and my children, Austin, Hailey, Adrien, Kaiden and the one who asked me to do this today, Ava. You guys are the reason I did the things I did, so you could grow up and do whatever you wanted.

“In conclusion, carry with you a renewed commitment to support veterans. Whether it’s volunteering at a local VA hospital, hiring veterans in our businesses, or simply taking the time to listen to their stories, there are countless ways we can show our appreciation.

“To future service members: You will never feel so much pain, sleeplessness, stress and sense of being overwhelmed. You will be pushed past what you think is your breaking point only to find out you can go much farther. You will never know a greater sense of pride than when you serve.  

“To my brothers and sisters: Thank you. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice and our unwavering commitment to each other and our nation. May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America. Simper Fi,” Synder concluded.

The Chamber Choir performed “The Armed Forces Salute” as veterans and those representing veterans were asked to stand when their branch of service was called. Certificates of appreciation were passed out to veterans as they stood.

Josh Rinehart read “What is a Veteran?” The audience was asked to stand for a moment of silence followed by the playing of “Taps” and the retiring of the colors.

Perkins thanked the speaker, all the veterans in attendance, Beard, the Chamber Choir and Red Regiment Band before concluding the assembly and asking students to remain seated until veterans had the opportunity to leave first.

The assembly held at the middle school began with eighth grader Ben Carrell welcoming those in attendance. 

“Today, we have gathered to honor and thank the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day is a time for all of us to pause and remember that the freedoms we enjoy every day did not come without sacrifice. 

“On this day, we recognize those who have worn the uniform of our country.  We thank them for their courage, their commitment, and their service. Whether they served here at home or overseas, each veteran has played an important role in protecting our nation and preserving our way of life. As we listen, reflect, and celebrate today, let’s remember that honoring our veterans isn’t just about one day on the calendar. It’s about showing gratitude and respect every day through our actions, our words, and our understanding of what their service means,” Carrell said.

Eighth grader Cambreigh Chancey performed the “National Anthem.”

Jax Holt, an eighth grader, introduced First Lt. Steven Holt of the United States Army National Guard as the guest speaker.

“Thank you for gathering here today. As we recognize Veterans Day, it is important that we remember why we honor this day: to acknowledge the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of all those who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Today, we are thankful for all the men and women who served before us and for those who will come to serve after us. It is truly an honor to stand before you and share my military journey—a journey that has not only shaped my career but also who I am as a person.

“Over the past 18 years, I have dedicated my life to the army, with the first 13 years spent as an enlisted soldier. This time has taken me to some incredible places, both in the United States and abroad. I’ve traveled from Washington state to South Carolina, through Pennsylvania and Southern California, multiple states in between, and even had the opportunity to serve in Morocco. I can say without hesitation that the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and socioeconomic differences of Morocco left an indelible mark on me, truly making it one of the coolest places I’ve ever visited.

“I began my military career in a role that may seem humble but was essential, fueling helicopters. This foundation laid the groundwork for my career and gradually led me to become a crew chief. As I dove deeper into my love for aviation, I later transitioned into the role of a flying crew chief and door gunner on a Black Hawk helicopter. Through this position, I experienced unparalleled views — flying past iconic sites like Mount Rushmore and then out to Death Valley in California for a rigorous three-week exercise.

“After my time as an enlisted soldier, I was honored to receive a commission and join the Military Police Corps. This transition introduced a new set of responsibilities and challenges, but also opened many doors. It allowed me to serve in diverse capacities and gave me a broader perspective on military operations.

“Throughout my military journey, I faced countless challenges that tested my resolve. I remember vividly the emotions I felt during training when I was pepper-sprayed and tased. These moments were not just physically demanding; they also tested my mental strength. I also recall cold winter nights spent in the field, watching fellow soldiers choose to sleep on the frost-covered ground rather than in the warmth of a Humvee. These experiences, while tough, fostered resilience, camaraderie, and a profound sense of belonging among us.

“Before I continue, I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to also recognize my family. Just as my family’s encouragement and sacrifices have helped me serve, every veteran and military member knows the critical role their loved ones play. Our achievements — on and off the battlefield — are made possible by the steadfast support of families waiting back home. Veterans Day is not only a time to honor those who wore the uniform, but also the families who stood behind them, often enduring their own quiet battles and hardships. Their resilience and love make our service possible.

“In conclusion, my military journey has been rich with experiences that have shaped my personal and professional identity. I encourage anyone who has even the slightest interest in serving in the military, whether full-time or part-time, to take that leap. The lessons learned, friendships forged, and skills developed are invaluable assets that will enrich your life long after you hang up your uniform.

“Thank you for your time and attention. I hope my story inspires some of you to embark on your own meaningful journey within the military. As we honor our Veterans, let us remember that each story, each sacrifice, and each act of service is a vital part of our shared legacy. Together, we can continue to uphold the values and traditions that make our service something worth being proud of,” Holt concluded as he thanked those in attendance.

The middle school and high school honor band performed “God of Our Fathers” and “God Bless America” with a slide show following.

Carrell introduced the choir who performed the songs of the five branches of the United States Armed Forces. 

“The ‘service anthems’ represent the pride, tradition and spirit of each branch. As each anthem is performed, we invite our veterans in the audience to stand if you are able when the song for your branch of service is played,” Carrell said.

Eighth grader Alice Pearson performed “Taps” to conclude the assembly.