BY MICHAEL JADZAK – Every year the Indiana Area School District holds assemblies at all schools to honor our veterans for their service. The schools have always felt that it is very important to have these assemblies to help students to realize that they owe an enormous appreciation to our nation’s veterans. 

However, COVID-19 restrictions mean that all students aren’t attending school in person, meaning that adjustments had to made to fulfill this yearly tradition.

As we drew nearer to November, questions began to arise about whether or not there would even be a Veteran’s Day assembly this year. 

Social studies teacher Mr. William Doody was able to put together a virtual assembly that all students were able to see whether they are in person or online. Doody stated, “This year’s Veteran’s Day Assembly will be virtual — it will be presented during the day on Tuesday, November 10.  Students who are in school on that day will view the assembly during one of their class periods.  Students who are at home will be able to view the assembly via the Internet.”

Of course, this year’s assembly will be a bit different from the traditional model. Doody adds, “The assembly will be shortened compared to prior years.  Because of the disruption to programs at IASD, there will not be any choral or solo music performances.  Also, the readings from speeches and poetry will be greatly reduced.  One thing that will definitely continue is the video presentation honoring veterans from IASD families.”

In regard to how the COVID crisis might affect Veteran’s Day activities this year, freshman Wynston Farrington commented,  “Well, even though COVID has a greater effect on older people, I hope our veterans weren’t too terribly affected.”

Senior and all online student Alex Jadzak felt the change would not be too severe, “I’ve been attending most events online since 9th grade.”

Thanks to Mr. Doody, the Veteran’s Day virtual assembly was a great success featuring voice-over facts about our servicemen and women and the names and photos of many veterans who have family connections here at IHS.

To all veterans, thank you for your service. Your courage and compassion for this country will never be forgotten. Happy Veterans Day!

[Photo courtesy of military.com]

Photo caption: “Many veterans visit monuments such as the one above, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington DC each year on Veteran’s Day.