Students play a significant role throughout the event. The high school band and honors choir performances leave the filled gymnasium quiet with respect and honor. When a solo bugler plays “Taps” the gym becomes so quiet you could literally hear a pin drop - all to honor those who have served.
Several students from Mr. Dudik’s AP History class shared readings and poems about Veterans Day and the meaning of it and this year’s guest speaker is a Thornapple Kellogg High School alumni - class of 1969.
TKHS sophomore Leigha Jones started off by welcoming everyone to the event and thanking the veterans for attending. Sophomore Kayla Price gave the student address on what Veterans Day means to her. Her grandfather, Lance Flierman, sat among the honored Veterans, but didn’t know Kayla was giving a speech. Afterward, the two hugged each other, both with obvious pride in their eyes.
“Veterans Day is very personal me, because through Veterans Day, I remember how grateful I am for my grandpa and how, even though he doesn't see it all the time, he helps me be brave and courageous…When I think about him, I always know I have someone there supporting me and cheering me on, just like how he and his buddies were there for each other in the Air Force,” said Price.
“It’s easy to get caught up in our daily routines and forget how much has been given to make our lives possible. That is why it’s important to take a moment and appreciate what we have and thank those who made it possible. Most of us know someone who has served, whether it’s a family member, a friend, or even just a neighbor. And Veterans Day is a reminder to show them that gratitude, - not just today, but every day. Let them see how much we really do appreciate them and value them as heroes who have given us freedom, safety and opportunities we take for granted.”
Fliearman said after the program he was impressed by his granddaughter’s words. “There’s no better benefit I get as a veteran than having you as my granddaughter,” he said as he hugged her after the ceremony.
The guest speaker was TK graduate Bruce Rendon, Class of 1969. He addressed the students and community members on behalf of his father, Rigoberto Rendon, who served in World War II.
High School Principal Tony Petersen introduced Rendon. “While Bruce is not a veteran, he too has served his country by being a member of the Michigan House of Representatives where he passed several bills including one that prohibits disorderly conduct at a military funeral. His father Roberto was his inspiration for his work ethic, his approach to government and his comment to family and his quest to make the world a better place.”
Rendon was honored to be invited back to TK to speak at the assembly and hoped he could hold it together while he spoke about Veterans Day and his own father. “Veterans Day - the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month - 1918 Armistice Day that ended World War I.”
Rendon said his father grew up in Texas and one day, just before he turned 19, he received a letter in the mail calling him to service. Before long, he found himself on a freighter headed to North Africa to join in World War II.
Rendon related the stories he heard from his father about being in the trenches and taking two-hour shifts with a partner. His partner got sick one night so Rendon had to cover many shifts. He also told of his father and partner in the trenches taking a direct hit and his partner was killed.
He described how as a soldier, his father would crawl through the night getting close to German troops and trying to capture them. His father was wounded twice while in service. Once a sniper shot him.
“He felt something hit his back…he took his backpack off and here’s this hole and a slug in a container of rations in his backpack. He did get shot by sniper in the shoulder area and had to walk back to the front lines for medical treatment."
Rendon said his father was at the Rhine River when Hitler surrendered. “They went on to Munich and Dad’s outfit liberated Dachau (a German concentration camp.) He wasn't in on the first advance, but he was there.”
Rendon said of his own experience that when he graduated from TK in 1969, he was ready for Vietnam and figured he would get called. “There was a 1S college deferment ,so I started college at Ferris State. Well, that deferment went away and I went 1A and I thought, well - now I’m going. Then they came up with the lottery. They said they would get to 200. I drew 209 and they got to 203.”
“For whatever reason, I wasn’t called to duty, but here’s how I look at it for myself. I did serve my state and my country by becoming a state representative and serving the public in the house and successfully getting 22 different acts passed including House Bill 4284 which states that you cannot disrupt a military funeral.”
Rendon said he was proud of his father and of all the veterans who have served or are still serving.
TK students offered several readings about Veterans Day including Aubree Stevens reading “The MIA POW Table” and Abigail Hoebeke reading “They Did Their Share.” Exley Roon read “Thank a Veteran” and Gabriel Van read “the Best on Earth: A Veteran’s Day Tribute.”
The high school choir sang “We Honor You,” and “Unsung Hero.” The band performed “The National Anthem,” “Torch of Liberty,” and “US Armed Forces Salute.”
Veterans were recognized individually as they stood or waved to the crowd and then accepted a standing ovation after the final names were read. They were then welcomed to a luncheon served by high school students.