Dorchester Banner/Dave Ryan
The girls of NDMS’ pom squad formed an American flag to help celebrate the day. In another display, the young ladies created the letters “U.S.A.” using their pom-pons.[/caption] SHILOH – North Dorchester Middle School’s students and teachers observed Veterans’ Day on Friday with an assembly in the gym, featuring the Owls’ band, choir, step team, poms and flag squad performing in honor of the nation’s armed services. Veterans’ Day, originally marking the end of the First World War, takes place officially on Nov. 11 every year. Students and guests filled the gym’s bleachers and rows of chairs on the floor, as the event began with a performance by the Stepping Owls, followed by Principal Patricia Prosser’s opening remarks. Ms. Prosser was joined by Hayden Edgar and Abby Jarrell in welcoming the audience. The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard presented the colors in a solemn ceremony. Vivica Merritt then led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, after which the chorus sang “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Leo Ramirez and Missy Sullivan gave an introduction to Veterans’ Day. They told their fellow students that the origin of the holiday was the armistice, or cease fire, of World War I, which took place in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Laila Stafford and Miranda Crist read letters to veterans, sharing their impressions of the work and sacrifice they see among members of the military. The chorus then sang, “God Bless America”, followed by the band’s “Military Medley”. Ryan Henry and Blake Thalheimer introduced the event’s speaker - NDMS’ own school nurse, Carin Budd, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Ms. Budd told the young people about the highly challenging boot camp she completed- “It was a brutal 13-week training” - and how her service changed her. “They taught me respect, honor and integrity,” she said. Then she asked the students to consider servicemen’s and women’s role in protecting the nation, saying, “I would like you to think about how your life would be if you didn’t live in a free country.” The band then played, “Land of Liberty”, after which the flag and pom squads joined forces to present “God Bless the USA”, capped by the girls using their red, white and blue pom-pons to form the letters, “U.S.A”, and then the stars and stripes. The names of the five armed services - Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy - were called out, as veterans of each stood to be recognized. A moment of silence in honor of the fallen was concluded with “Taps”, played by bugler James Creighton. The deputies retired the colors to end the event.