Every year since 2013, Oakdale’s National Honors Society (NHS) hosts the Veterans Assembly to honor and recognize veterans for their service to our country. On November 8, 2023, ve terans in the community gathered in Oakdale’s auditorium for a presentation of recognition.
All NHS members, students in the leadership program, and upperclassmen were invited to attend the ceremony during SET. Additionally, the ceremony was streamed in all SET classes for teachers and students to watch.
Juniors Natalie Lebo and Gloria Mokashi, members of the National Honors Society, emceed the event and introduced this year’s keynote speaker Dr. Tim Trainor. Trainor, who served in the Army, and is the President of Mount St. Mary’s University, spoke on the importance of thanking our veterans and showing gratitude for those who have made immense sacrifices to protect the United States.
Oakdale’s marching band opened the ceremony with the national anthem and later members of the Oakdale choir sang, “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful,” and closed the assembly with, “We’ll Meet Again.” NHS advisor, Dr. Ed Schoder spoke at the assembly and reflected on his own experiences in serving. He also spoke of veterans close to him and thanked all veterans for their countless sacrifices.
Both Lebo and Mokashi felt honored to host the assembly as both of their fathers are veterans. Lebo explained, “It’s important to recognize veterans because some don’t even realize the hardships they went through. Every veteran had to leave family or friends.”
Mokashi expressed, “I wanted to help with the assembly because my father and so many others I care about are veterans and there should be a way to help recognize them.”
Not only does the ceremony aim to honor our veterans and active service members, but those lost in action too. Lebo remarked, “Veterans have faced danger and life-altering experiences that many will never have to go through.”Displayed at the front of the auditorium, a table represented a seat for veterans who were lost in their fight for our country. Lebo and Mokashi spoke on the different elements of the table that relate to veterans.
Each year, we thank our veterans for their outstanding dedication and service to our country. But, Veterans Day doesn’t have to be the only day we show our gratitude. Show your support to veterans by asking someone about their service or by just simply saying, “Thank you.”
