The Sage Informer

November 11 brought the annual Veteran’s Day assembly to honor those who dedicated their lives to the service of the United States, whether residing in Monticello or not. All Monticello students, with the exception of the middle schoolers, gathered in the Sievers Center to honor veterans. Superintendent Clapp and Monticello High School Principal Courson both paid tribute to those who served while the elementary students sang songs.

“I think the little kids singing, seeing that they were involved was kind of the best part. It was a lot of singing, but it was a lot of appreciation and you know, honoring. I think that really embodies Veteran’s Day,” junior Tynley Jackson said. Kindergartners and first graders sang “When I See My Flag” while second and third graders sang “For the Good of the Many.” “We Will Not Forget” was performed by the fourth and fifth graders. 

“I was kind of nervous to sing. Knowing that everyone is watching you can be very scary, but I was proud of myself when I was done,” shared fifth grader Elsa Rudolph. While many enjoyed seeing the little children involved and hearing their performances, the assembly conveyed a deeper meaning for some with family ties to the armed forces. 

“My dad was a firefighter in the air force for a few years. My older brothers were born over there in Germany while he was stationed there in the ‘90s. [Veteran’s Day] is pretty significant to me, a lot of my family served and came back. And I’m around those family members a lot, so it’s always been a big thing for my family,” Jackson stated.

Rudolph has one sibling who is currently actively serving in the U.S. Army, and two who will be serving in the U.S. Army in the near future. “On Veteran’s Day, I think of my siblings and know that they helped through tough times and that I’ll always honor them,” Rudolph said.

During the assembly, students reflected on the sacrifice made by veterans and noted how important it was to show their gratitude; “I feel like [the assembly] helps veterans to understand that they are appreciated and what they did is not maybe frowned upon or they’re not pushed aside, that we do care about them,” Jackson commented. 

Rudolph added, “It’s very important knowing that so many soldiers are out there and protecting us from bad times. I think it’s very important to celebrate our veterans altogether and acknowledge their pain and suffering they went through.”

Louisa Rudolph, Staff Writer
rudlo24@sages.us