North Habersham Middle School (NHMS) students paid tribute to local veterans on Monday morning during a heartfelt Veterans Day program attended by more than 60 veterans from various branches of the military. With American flags proudly waving throughout the gymnasium, the event was a display of respect, gratitude, and remembrance.
The ceremony was kicked off by NHMS Principal Dr. Renee Crandall, who welcomed veterans, their families, and the students in attendance. “Students, today is about our veterans,” Dr. Crandall said. “I expect you to listen attentively, to show respect and appreciation for our veterans, and to learn something.”
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The event began with a moving veteran parade, where students from the school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) escorted the veterans and their families into the gymnasium. Veterans were recognized according to their military service branches, with the NHMS Band playing the patriotic song Grand Ole Flag as they entered.
The Habersham Central High School JROTC Honor Guard presented the colors, and the NHMS band played the National Anthem. Students Bryton Brooks, Eriana Esparza, Salayna McClanahan, and Sophie Roberts led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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In honor of the day, students shared poems and letters they had written to express their appreciation for the service and sacrifice of the veterans. The NHMS Chorus also performed Marches of the Armed Forces, calling on veterans to stand as their respective service anthems were played. The chorus concluded with a rendition of America, The Beautiful.
Guest speaker
The ceremony’s guest speaker was Grant-Reeves VFW Post 7720 Commander Barry Church, who served 34 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. In his address, Church emphasized the importance of defending freedom. He referenced a quote by President Ronald Reagan, who once said, “Freedom is a fragile thing and it’s never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by way of inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation.”
Church spoke of the sacrifices made by veterans, whether in wartime or peacetime, and recognized the diversity of experience in the room. He recognized those veterans who had served in wars such as Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq. He encouraged students to consider military service as a potential career path, reminding them that a strong military fosters peace, not war.
Following Church’s address, students observed a moment of silence in honor of fallen veterans, which was followed by a solemn rendition of Taps performed by NHMS Band teacher Sam Berman.
Reception
The school hosted a reception afterward for the veterans. It provided them with the opportunity to reconnect and reflect on their years of service. Among the veterans was John Ott, a Navy veteran from Turnerville, who served from 1959 to 1969. He expressed how deeply moved he was by the program. “I was touched,” Ott said. “I thought it was very impressive. I think they did an excellent job.”
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For Madilyn Nicholson, an eighth-grade student and FFA member who escorted veterans during the ceremony, the day held personal meaning. “Having veterans means freedom,” Nicholson said. “Everyone is putting their life on the line for your freedom—to vote, to have the freedom to choose your responsibilities.” Nicholson’s grandfather served in both the Navy and Army, making the day even more significant for her.
Habersham County Board of Education Chairman Doug Westmoreland also attended the event. He praised both the veterans and the students for their participation. “The students did a wonderful job,” Westmoreland said. “I am just proud of our school system putting this program together. It’s just a great thing to honor our veterans.”
The NHMS Veterans Day program was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military, and a powerful lesson in gratitude and patriotism for the students who attended. It was an event that truly honored the service and sacrifices of those who have protected our freedoms.
