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Show Oak Canyon Jr. High Celebrates Freedom! "y " ' 1 '-.- v I . - ' -, ' u i i. I . t - i n- It ii ill ii Oak Canyon Jr. High honored Veterans and gained an appreciation for their service at the Freedom Week assembly held on Thursday, November 11. The assembly began with the choir singing a moving rendition of the National Anthem A cappella. The choir, dressed in red, white and blue, was directed by Sarah Rowley. The Pledge of Allegiance was then conducted by Clark Hansen who looked sharp in his Scout uniform. Tanya Wilkinson, PTA President, announced the essay contest winners. With the theme "Is Freedom Really Free?", first place was awarded to Deric Chenworth who received $20. Samantha C. Sandberg received second place with a cash prize of $15 and third place went to Erika Armknecht. She was awarded $10. Two living monuments were performed by students who posed statue-still as a description of the monuments were read. The U.S. National World War II Memorial was performed by a U.S. History class. This monument is dedicated to Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during World War II. It is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on the former site of the Rainbow Pool at the eastern end of the Reflecting Pool, between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. It is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people. The student council reenacted the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This monument refers to a grave in which the unidentifiable remains of a soldier are interred. It contains remains of an unknown soldier from every war in American history with the exception of the American Revolution and Vietnam. Recently, the soldier from Vietnam was identified by DNA testing and his remains were sent home to be buried by his family. This monument is located at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. On Veterans Day it is tradition to place a wreath on this tomb at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh Students of a U.S. 1 listory class performed a living monument of The U.S. National World War II Memorial. month which is the day and time of the signing of the Armistice Treaty of WWI. Pholu courtesy ol'Tiinpanogos Time's "Freedom" continued on Page 3 "Freedom" continued from Page 1 Mr. Terry Hunter, who is a teacher at the school, then addressed the students. Mr. Hunter's son, Steven, currently serves in Afghanistan in the 11 5th Sapper Unit of the Utah National Guard with the assignment of Route Clearance. As of Saturday, Steven reported that his unit had dismantled a 35 pound Improvised Explosive Device. Mr. Hunter is extremely proud to have his son serve. Terry loves this country and appreciates those who have sacrificed to make this country what it is and have given us the opportunities we have today. He spoke to the students of sacrifice and freedom. "1 hope that all of us can do our part to appreciate this country, respect our flag, and honor those who served in the military," he stated. Following Mr. Hunter's remarks, Assistant Principal Colleen Green introduced the Veterans who were present. One of the Veterans was Robert Dillman who served in the Army for three years. Robert told students, "You 'don't know what we went through." With tears in his eyes and great emotion he said, "I would do it all over again." A slide show, which consisted of 69 pictures of Veterans that were related to those at the school, was shown. The names and where the individuals served were also included with each picture. Assistant Principal Colleen Green spoke of the students, "They have loved being involved because it is their people who are in the pictures. It is their people who will be honored today. Many of them will never get to the National Mall in Washington D.C. Many of them will never have an opportunity to go to a military graduation, but they can come here and celebrate those they love. I just hope they love it as much as we do," she concluded. The band , under the di rection of Miss Connie Ygaki, performed "Beautiful Savior" followed by "Taps" played by Ben Smith and Jacob Olson. Taps is a military song that is played to call soldiers to rest at night. On Monday students were given Freedom bracelets and every day during lunch students donated gum for the troops. |