Submitted by Mistie J. Christiansen
San Rafael Junior High Student Body President Lon Huntsman welcomed over 10 veterans and members of the American Legion Auxiliary to the school’s Veterans Day program last week. Special recognition was given to veteran Sam Singleton who was the first principal of the junior high and is now a member of the school board.
Students then told the story of the evolution of Veterans Day from Armistice Day so that all veterans of wars and conflicts would be honored on this day. The chorus sang “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” to show their respect for all those who have served their country.
A special video presentation of Gail Halverson, the Candy Bomber, was also shown. His motto being “From little things big things can happen.” He talked about the importance of service before self.
SRJH students have been collecting and donating pennies to the Utah Honor Flight Program. As a student body they saved $579.32. Desertview Federal Credit Union pledged to match the students funds and McKenzie Guymon was there to present the money to the student body. Along with these funds and money collected from the faculty and community a total of $1,484.03 was raised.
This amount enabled the school to sponsor Mr. Melvin Gilbert on his honor flight to Washington DC as well as contribute some to the Utah Honor Flight program. Three other Emery County veterans have been honored with this opportunity.
Garrett Gilbert, teacher at the school, paid tribute to his grandfather, Melvin. Principal Mecham also presented Mr. Melvin Gilbert with a copy of a request to the school board for an honorary veterans high school diploma. Melvin had not had the opportunity to graduate as he enlisted in the Navy during the time of World War II.
Mr. Mecham also told all the veterans of the love and respect the jr. high school students and faculty have for them. The band concluded the program.