Student musicians Jack Dyson, Trevor Lezotte, Holden Wasko, Hunter Badia, Sam Argetsinger, and Ethan Brusso, along with music teacher Gail Markstein, joined teacher Daniel Fitzgerald in what has become a Veterans' Day tradition at RTS Middle School. Because school would not be in session on November 11, the ceremony was held Tuesday, November 10. It began at 11:11 a.m. with Mr. Fitzgerald reading the following over the public address system:
"Today we celebrate Veteran’s Day on November 11. It used to be called Armistice Day, to commemorate the end of World War One in 1918. An armistice that stilled the guns on the western front went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This armistice stilled the drums of war. (DRUMS) A year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as a day in which to remember all Americans who died in service to their country. Since then we have had World War Two, (DRUMS) the Korean War, (DRUMS) the Vietnam War, (DRUMS) the First Gulf War, (DRUMS) the War in Bosnia, (DRUMS) and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (DRUMS). There are now about 25 million military veterans in the US. They deserve the utmost respect and appreciation for their significant contributions to the success of the past military actions. We offer them a special day in honor of their effort, bravery and courage. Now the bells of freedom ring (BELLS). Please stand for a moment of silence followed by the playing of TAPS."
All of us at Susquehanna Valley salute those who have served!