Veterans Day Assembly

Photos by Javin Martinez, Colt Antle, and Judy Fodor.

By Willow Stephenson

On Nov. 9 Pueblo County High School held its annual Veterans Day Assembly, honoring those who have given their service to the United States of America, both the past veterans who lost their lives, and current service members. The assembly focused on honoring those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, including PCHS alumni, Army Specialist Reuban Aragon, PFC Mike Hanratty, PFC David Heller, Corporal Danny Ruybal, Staff Sergeant Sam Solano, and Army Specialist Pete Valdez. A display of boots, helmets and their photos was presented in their honor. 

Other veterans honored include Viki Bowker, Florence Downs, Ryan Moore, Dennis Larkin, Adam Hatchel Charles Celleti, Mike Knox, John Gardunio, John Montoya, John Solano, Joseph Holmes, Sam Stephens, Richard Curtis, Thomas Coffield, Bryan Bate, Quentin Hadewood,  Kaite Moore, Leonard Moore, Bob Blackmore, Abraham Varello, Major (Ret) Andrew Smith and Sergeant Major (Ret) Arnold Lewis.Honorary Veteran from the Korean War was Joseph Samuel Fodor, deceased. 

The assembly ceremonies included the Prisoner of War Table, the folding of the flag, the final roll call, and the 21 Gun Salute.  The P.O.W table was a beautiful display of a table set for one, representing the isolation of P.O.Ws with a white tablecloth representing the pure intentions of P.O.Ws, a single candle,representing the light of hope, so that they can find their way home, the Bible representing the faith that they will return, an inverted glass, representing that they can not toast with us, salt representing the countless tears of their families as they wait, a slice of lemon representing the P.O.Ws bitter fate, and a single red rose in a vase representing the blood they shed for their country, around which, a red ribbon was tied a symbol of the determination to account for the missing. 

The voices choir, directed by Brook Mead, performed The Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful, followed by guest speaker Colonel Rodney Mccutcheon.

Veterans Day will be officially celebrated Nov. 11, all PCHS students should ensure they thank their friends and family that have served for their service.