Lauren Stewart
Reporter
On Wednesday, Nov. 10, NCHS played host to the Veterans Day Assembly. The assembly was conducted in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Korean War and the 235th anniversary of the Marine Corps. The Korean War earned the title “the Forgotten War” due to its unpopularity during the 1950’s. However, America’s participation in the Korean War helped South Korea become the prosperous, thriving nation that it is today. “I don’t want it to be the Forgotten War. I want students to remember the sacrifices many Americans made,” Principal Tony Pavia said.
The assembly featured the Madrigals, who sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Set Me as a Seal,” as well as a film tribute written and produced by Kyle Conner, Cody Nader and Nick Zanca. There was also a presentation for the Veterans by First Selectman of New Canaan Jeb Walker and Mayor of Stamford Mike Pavia, the “Armed Forces Theme” presented by the NCHS Band under the conduction of Band Director Scott Cranston, letters home from soldiers read by juniors David Luchs, Katherine Moncure, and Danielle Sorcher, and comments by Korean War veteran Evans Kerrigan.
“The assembly was absolutely incredible, beautiful, a job well-done, and enough great things can’t be said about all Mr. Pavia has done,” Veteran Marco Pensiero said.
Mr. Pavia, as the chief director of the assembly, hoped that both students and veterans would walk away having learned something. “I want to send the veterans away knowing that the younger generation remembers them,” he said.
Not only did the students learn a thing or two about the Korean War and the soldiers who fought in it, but the veterans also enjoyed watching the student performances. “I love Mr. Pavia for doing all this and the kids for participating; I feel like I learn something new at these assemblies every year,” Mr. Jeb Walker said.
Just as Mr. Pavia had hoped, the assembly inspired many students. “The veterans seemed very appreciative and it was really nice to see that they were being recognized for something that was initially so controversial and misunderstood, but overall positive in the end,” junior Abby Stevenson said.
“This assembly helped me to realize everything the veterans have done for our country,” sophomore Justin Pertierra said.
“I thought it was overall really positive and the veterans were really appreciative. It’s a lot easier to appreciate them when you can meet them in person,” junior Jackie Trager said.
Even those students who weren’t able to attend the assembly kept the veterans in mind throughout the day. “I really wish I had the opportunity to go, and I’m sure that it was a really positive experience for everyone. I’m hoping to be able to go to next year’s assembly,” freshman Spencer Lambdin said.
At the conclusion of the assembly, one of the veterans proceeded to stand before the crowd and suggested everyone join together to sing “God Bless America.” “When the veteran got up at the end and sang “God Bless America,” I thought it was really incredible,” said junior Lauren Holec.
Photos by Anjelique Kyriakos
