Pleasant Hills Middle School Shows Support , Gratitude to 100 Veterans
On Veterans Day , Pleasant Hills Middle School welcomed more than 100 Veterans for the annual Tribute to the Troops . The Heroes who spent the morning at the middle school are family members , friends , and neighbors of current students .
The program began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Student Council Vice President Mycah McCabe and the singing of the National Anthem by the eighth grade choir . Later in the program , Student Council President Giuliana Ziegler recited a poem entitled , “ I Am a Veteran .” The 8th Grade Orchestra also performed before and during the program .
West Jefferson Hills School District Superintendent Dr . Janet Sardon led the Veteran Roll Call , in which the names and branches of the military of each Veteran in attendance were announced . The roll call ended with a showing of gratitude and appreciation from those in attendance in the middle school cafeteria . The ceremony was broadcast live to all classrooms in the middle school .
This year ’ s keynote speakers were E6 Tech Sergeant , Retired Brian Finnerty and Lieutenant Colonel Kim Finnerty who touched on the history , meaning , and importance of Veterans Day .
E6 Tech Sergeant , Retired Brian Finnerty served for 24 years in the Air Force Reserves and currently serves as the Chief of Pleasant Hills Police .
“ The military has taught me service before self , which is a core value to the United States Air Force ,” he said . “ It means military duties take precedence over personal desires . This can be applied to many situations including putting the needs of others before your own , aligning your personal goals with the goals of a team or organization , and sacrificing your personal desires for the benefit of the team .”
Lt . Colonel Kim Finnerty , who currently serves as the President of the West Jefferson Hills School Board , spoke of her experience both in the military and at home when a spouse is serving in the military . She said the sacrifice of those at home makes the service of those away from home possible .
Lt . Colonel Kim Finnerty also told the students about the significance of the American Flag and the sacrifice of Veterans who worked to ensure the country could continue to enjoy freedom .
“ These freedoms are bestowed upon us because there are people out there who won hard-fought battles . Sacrifices were made , and lives were given ,” she said . “ Our Veterans are the embodiment of service , sacrifice , and they are guardians of our freedom . They ’ ve answered the call – and a call not to comfort , but to duty . They have
left behind a familiarity of home and the embrace of loved ones just to stay on the front lines , to face danger and uncertainty , and to defend the ideals of the Flag .”
She finished her remarks urging everyone to honor Veterans through service .
“ Let us recommit ourselves to upholding the values they defended , to cherishing the freedoms they secured , and to ensuring their service will never be forgotten . We let our gratitude not just be words , but actions . Support the families , advocate always for their well-being , and strive to live the ideals that are so greatly defended .” The morning ’ s event ended with a Warrior Walk , with all PHMS students , faculty , and staff gathered around the flagpole cheering for the Veterans as they left the school . est Jefferson Hills WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS — PLEASANT HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL
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