In preparation for Veterans Day on Nov. 11, the high school and middle school of Bridgeport Exempted Village School District celebrated some local heroes who stepped up to serve their country with all they had.
Area veterans in attendance Nov. 8 included Dennis Kennedy, Ira Davis, Todd Poe and Ron Lenz, who served in the Army, Anthony Niekro who served in the Navy, Edward Bumgardner who served in the Air Force, and Jeff Stauffer and Frank McConnaughy who served in the Marine Corps. The veterans were served breakfast, then invited on stage when an assembly began.
High school and middle school students shared a message of gratitude.
Sixth grader Esmee Henry read a thank-you letter, commending veterans’ selfless dedication to protecting freedoms and rights.
“It’s amazing you give back so much and the sacrifices you make to do it,” she said. “You should always be proud of what you have done for the people of this country.”
Seventh graders Brayden West and Oliver Henry read acrostic poems about the attributes of veterans.
Eighth grader Logan Marsh read an essay about the meaning of patriotism.
“Patriotism is loving, supporting and taking pride in your country,” he said. Marsh added that veterans should be appreciated every day. “Veterans are heroes. They are ordinary people who decided to be brave and risk their lives for us.”
For the high school, Robert Weekley spoke about the different branches of the military and their responsibilities. He covered the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines and Space Force.
“They keep us at peace, help in disasters, protect our citizens, and do so much more. Without our military, none of us would be able to live as carefree as we do.”
Sophomore Amber Polomik’s talk covered the history of Veterans Day. From its origin as Armistice Day marking the end of World War I, the day would evolve and expand to honor every veteran as the military fought in more conflicts.
“Many soldiers gave their lives during these wars, and because of their courage, fearlessness and determination we are here today, honoring the sacrifices of all veterans.”
The choir and band performed patriotic music.
Prior to the assembly, High School Principal Jack Fisher said students took a leading role in preparing for the assembly. The area has a strong veteran community, with many students having family or knowing someone who served.
Middle School Principal Anne Haverty Lawson was proud of her students, adding the young people have taken service to heart in their school, from helping during the assembly to clearing up and preparing the cafetorium for lunch afterward.
“It’s neat to see our youth realizing what we have to be thankful for,” she said. “They are gaining understanding as they grow up on how they can serve.”
She added it was fitting Veterans Day falls on the month of Thanksgiving. The sixth graders have written letters to veterans, which are compiled in a binder and will be given to one area veteran.
Her husband, Larry Lawson, served 21 years in the Navy. She said veterans are often humble and many people around them are not aware of their service.
Jeff Stauffer, who was a corporal in the Marines, 2000-2004, and is a father of two Bridgeport students, was heartened by the area’s many celebrations.
“It was great. It’s nice to be appreciated once a year, and it’s good to see all the kids come in and all the veterans show up.”
Stauffer recalled his decision to serve. He and a friend decided to join shortly after high school, and the need soon became apparent.
“After Sept. 11 happened, it kind of reinforced the reason why we went in,” he said. “I was over in Japan when it happened, but I knew guys that had family members in the towers.”
Frank McConnaughy, an E-3 in the Marine Corps, 1968-1970, also enjoyed the assembly.
“The kids did a good job.”
Todd Poe, who served as an E-3 PFC in the Army, 2004-2009, works as an intervention specialist at the middle school and had a close look at the students’ preparations as they researched their essays and learned about the military and the qualities it requires.
“I knew they put a lot of effort and time into those essays, and they were very nice to hear their thoughts on what they feel about the veterans,” he said. “It’s a nice thing to do. They want to honor us and put things on for us and it’s nice to show our respect for them doing that.”
Poe also had a chance to meet other area veterans.
“The breakfast was very nice because I enjoyed eating with the older veterans,” Poe said. “What they went through, the hardships helped shape the different equipment we have today at the military.”
He said military service is more relevant to students today in light of recent and ongoing conflicts.
“A lot of things taking place now are fresh in these kids’ minds,” he said. “It’s more on the forefront of what they might face, a choice they might have.”
