Jr./Sr. High celebrate veterans with assembly
Posted on 11/07/2018
2018 Veterans Day Assembly(SPS) - Veterans Day is Sunday, Nov. 11, but this year it’s observed on Nov. 12.

For students and staff at Sapulpa Junior High and Sapulpa High School, veterans were recognized during an assembly on Nov. 7.

Major Jerry Swepston led the assembly which featured a ceremonial cake-cutting to celebrate the upcoming birthday of the Marines Corps. The Corps was established in 1775.

The traditional passing of cake from the oldest to the youngest Marine demonstrates the passing of the honor, experience, and heart of the Corps to the next generation of Marines to carry on. Major Swepston cut the cake and passed it next to special guest Lt. Col. Brian Cornelius, Sapulpa class of 1993, who took the first bite. The cake was then passed on to the youngest, Cadet Dayton Blue.

At the conclusion of the cake-cutting ceremony, senior Dylan Wilson played “Taps” on his trumpet facing a small table set for one on the far right side of the stage.

Dylan Wilson play Taps during Veterans Day Assembly

The table symbolizes those soldiers who are missing, better known as POWs or MIAs. Each item on the table, from the lit candle and single red rose to the slice of lemon and salt on the plate, has meaning.

The POW/MIA Table

The theme of the assembly was the Battle of Iwo Jima, with much of the focus on the iconic image of the six Marines raising the American flag atop Mount Suribachi, and why that battle is important today.

“Because of their sacrifices, we are free to live, work, and raise our families as we please,” said Lt. Col. Cornelius. “Today our service men and women continue the tough duty that freedom requires.”

In his speech, Lt. Col. Cornelius talked to the students about the decisions they make today and how they will affect not only their future but also the futures of those around them.

“Do not dwell on your mistakes,” he said. “Use your experiences as an athlete, band member, cheerleader, or any other hobby or inspiration that you desire to inspire and enhance the lives and community around you.”

Lt. Col. Brian Cornelius

The assembly concluded with Major Swepston asking students, staff, and guests to stand who are veterans or have a family member or know someone who is serving in one of the branches of the armed forces.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 20 million living veterans today. That number is expected to drop to 13.6 million in 2037.

Thank you to all of those veterans for their service.

More photos of the assembly can be found on our Facebook page.

Freedom Elementary students participated in Celebrate Freedom, A Salute to our Veterans assembly on Nov. 9. You can view photos of that assembly on the Freedom Facebook page.