Students were reminded to emulate the sacrifices of veterans and be grateful for the freedoms those veterans have preserved at an annual Veterans Day event.
Scott Kern, an executive minister at Park Chapel Christian Church in Greenfield and a former high school principal and social studies teacher, thanked and praised veterans for their service to their nation at the Indian Creek High School Veterans Day program.
“There is no greater calling as an American,” he said.
Citing scripture from the Sermon on the Mount, Kern described veterans as the salt and light of the earth.
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Click here to purchase photos from this galleryAs the salt of the earth, veterans have preserved the American Republic, he said.
The rights for Americans to vote, to enjoy the freedoms listed in the Declaration of Independence and to pursue their own hopes and dreams are what veterans have protected, Kern said.
“Never forget or take for granted what they have preserved for you,” he said.
As the light of the earth, veterans stood up against tyranny during the Revolutionary War, slavery during the Civil War, fascism during World War II, communism during the Vietnam and Korean wars and now are fighting against radical Islamic terrorism, Kern said.
“They paid the price to ensure the U.S. remains a bright, strong light on a hill,” he said.
Kern encouraged the middle and high school students in the audience to remember the sacrifices veterans made and to take time to sincerely thank them for their service.
“Some of you will wear the uniform of this country,” he said.
The Friday morning ceremony featured patriotic music and songs. Choirs performed the national anthem and the “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” When the band performed the Armed Forces Medley, members of each of the five branches of the military stood during their section, recognizing their service.
More than 100 veterans were present for the ceremony. Toward the end of the ceremony, each veteran was honored individually as they took turns standing or raising their hand as their names, along with details of where and when they served, were read.
