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Neighbors | Zack Shively.Austintown symphonic band and choir played “Armed Forces - The Pride of America“ together. The song combined the anthems of the armed forces. The veterans at the assembly stood when the song of their military branch played.
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Neighbors | Zack Shively.Colonel Brian Kennedy spoke at Austintown Fitch High School's Veterans Day assembly. The school held the assembly to honor the veterans in their community.
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Neighbors | Zack Shively.Austintown Fitch High School held their annual Veterans Day Assembly on Nov. 10. The school's symphony and choir performed “Thank You Soldiers,“ “God Bless the U.S.A.“ and “Armed Forces - The Pride of America“ at the event.
By ZACK SHIVELY
Austintown Fitch High School had a veterans assembly in their auditorium on Nov. 10 before Veterans Day.
Principal Chris Berni and assistant principal Jim Penk welcomed the students and visiting veterans to the assembly and spoke about Veterans Day.
The program included music from the Austintown symphonic band, under the direction of Wesley O’Connor, and the school’s concert choir, under the direction of Bill Klein. They performed “Thank You Soldiers,“ “God Bless the U.S.A.“ and “Armed Forces - The Pride of America.“
The last song they performed was a medley of the different anthems of the armed forces. The veterans present stood while their branch’s anthem played. The Austintown Fitch color guard marched with the flag of each branch across the auditorium. After the song, the Purple Star Families, Fitch students with family currently serving in the military, stood.
Ken Jakubec, a board member and veteran, spoke and recognized the veterans at the assembly. After he spoke, senior Seth Welch introduced speaker Colonel Brian Kennedy. Welch spoke at the podium throughout the event.
Kennedy, a Poland and Ohio State University graduate who went on to serve in the United States Marine Corp, gave a speech about love and service. He spoke about being excited for the future generations and the importance of belonging to something bigger than oneself.
Following Kennedy’s speech, Zachary Pezzuolo gave honorary awards to the veterans at the assembly. Then, special education teacher Kristin O’Neill showed a video featuring the a portion of Admiral William H. McRaven’s “Make Your Bed“ speech. The event ended with a playing of “Taps.”
The school hosts this event every year dating back to 1983. Fitch honors the veterans with a couple events throughout the year. Their school also has a commemorative piece in front of their school.