001sacrifice and dedication to our nation. Not only have they exemplified the very essence of service to our country while wearing a uniform, but they have given us the gift of freedom and we honor their legacy here today. Today's program is centered around the theme wearing the uniform with pride. The uniform is something that all of us are familiar with. We either wear one for a club, a job, a sport, or some other organization, or we wear one for our own identity. Whatever the reason, the intention is always to provide its owner the opportunity to embrace a sense of pride and silent dignity. Have you thought about the power being no more. Here at different public schools, students know that when you try out for a team or you join a club or extracurricular organization, that
002one of the greatest rewards is wearing that blue and gold. Suddenly, you're transformed into something who shares the same goals as your peers wearing the same threads. Now, I have two grownup, now young adult children, both graduates of North High School. When my eldest was a freshman, she received her first uniform for the very first sport for which she participated in. She brought it home the night before her big debut, all with excitement. So, I took a moment to give a teachable moment and asked both of my kids to the kitchen where I laid that uniform out on the table. This is true. I guess you could say that I sort of gave a speech about how wearing that Panther uniform or any that they were going to wear in the future is not a
003right but a privilege. It meant that they were now part of something much bigger than themselves. They were now in that community of individuals striving to do the same all while wearing the same uniform. It also meant that those words in our fight song, proud, loyal, and true, were now much more than lyrics to a song. I emphasized to them in that moment how proud I was of both their upcoming opportunities to contribute and to serve the greater good of our school. But most importantly, I instilled in them the directive that is still a part of the press family vocabulary represent. Today I come to the program wearing part of a uniform. It is of my late father David C. Lince Navy uniform. Once upon a time he proudly served on the USS Robert H.
004while it was really proud to represent his military branch as he sailed coast to coast abroad. But even more important to him was that he had the privilege to represent his country while wearing it. Like the veterans in the audience know, when one wears a uniform in the service, those threats absorb moments of adversity and defeat and at the same time achievements, success, and victories. Today, I want to encourage you students to embrace the true spirit of wearing your uniform, whatever it may look like. You, like our veterans today, represent yourself, your family name, your school building, your class, your district, but more importantly, your organization. In this program today, you will hear words from our veteran keynote speaker about what service consisted of while wearing his uniform. Along with student performances, I will briefly
005speak about some student perspectives of what it means to wear the Panther uniform. First, I ask everybody in the audience to stand and place your hand over your as we fight for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You may be seated. Did you know in the 1960s the Dwit Panther football uniforms were white with black numbers? Did you also know that later on Dwit changed its colors to blue and Vegas gold? And it wasn't until the 80s that they evolved to what we know today as the blue and the gold. We surveyed a few panthers out in our audience today and asked them, "What does
006wearing your DIT uniform mean to you?" Samantha Williams, a senior member of the Dit High School color guard, says, Wearing my color guard uniform means that I am working hard to be the best I can be. While he junior Nick Taylor representing the golf team says that wearing my uniform means competing alongside my teammates and working together. ninth grader type one way a football team says when I put my junior uniform on I think of the legacy and how we have to put in the work to continue it Joe Tate sophomore basketball player said wearing my jersey means that I'm a part of something so much bigger than myself means that I get to be a part of a legacy that has been built from every player that has put on a good basketball jersey
007before me and that has worked to make our team what it is now. Pretty wise words, huh? One of the most vibrant and unique uniforms worn here at Det High School is that of the Dwet High School teacher choir. As they take the stage, notice how they wear their informal attire with the same pride and dignity that our veterans wear, the red, white, and blue. Just as each uniform tells a story of service and honor, the vibrant dresses and formal suits represent their commitment to honoring those who have served our nation with the gift of music. The High School Chamber Choir will now sing the national anthem directed by Megan Held >> [applause] >> Oh, [singing] you see what we twilight [singing] stripes and bright stars were so through the that our flag was still
008there. Oh, say [singing] that star spangled yet for the land of the bra. >> [applause] >> Certain parts of uniforms hold certain value for symbolic, intentional, and aesthetic reasons. Mike Bry, Dick High School's athletic director, said something to me that really stuck. He said, "A football helmet is iconic to a community." Each military uniform is also known for its iconic parts like the timeless beret of the army or the white Dixie cup sailor cap in the Navy. The Air Force is easily recognized by its flight suit, while those in the Marine Corps can be seen in their dress blue coat with red piping and high powers. The National Guard wears either the signature camouflage or army green combat gear depending on the duty. Finally, our Coast Guard proudly wears a white cap with the symbolic
009Coast Guard shield. Now, let me take a minute and go back to some of our students words when asked about wearing the uniform. We surveyed some of our up and cominging Panthers currently at the middle school. Claire Cook, an eighth grader cross country runner, said, "To wear a panther hat on my cross country jersey is truly amazing because I feel fast. Because I will always be a panther. I feel fast because in DITIT I have amazing coaches and get all the support." Grace St. Kramer, also an athlete, states, For me, wearing my TWIT uniform means being a proud part of the DITIT team and community. It reminds me of all the hard work that we put in behind the scenes. And lastly, Megan Jameson says that wearing my uniform represents hard work, dedication, and togetherness.
010It is everything I will ever work for. It is a late night practices and these early morning competitions. Now, I'd say we have some pretty committed uniform wearing hands. Wouldn't you say so yourself? It is now my pleasure to introduce our school's superintendent, Mr. Kevin, who will address the audience on behalf of tonight. Mr. >> [applause] [applause] >> Good morning. Welcome to the 19th annual Veterans Day ceremony here at North High School. It's truly an honor to be with you as we welcome together to celebrate Americans. Today's theme where the uniform of pride reminds us of the deep commitment and honor that comes with military service. On this Veterans Day, November 11th, we gather on the day set aside by our nation to honor all who have wor. Today we're surrounded by heroes, men and
011women who stood in defense of our values, our communities, and our freedoms. You answer the call enduring hardship and separation from loved ones to preserve the rights and liberties that we as Americans hold dear. For this we owe you a debt of gratitude. This ceremony is especially meaningful because it brings together veterans, families, students, staff and friends. To our students, I hope today reminder of bravery and commitment that has helped shape the nation's story. Congratulations, showing them what truly means to serve. While we say thank you today, let us also remember that action speak louder. I encourage everyone, especially our Panther students, to take time to truly learn about our veterans experiences, to listen to their stories, and the lesson they have shared. I encourage our students to take a moment after today's cere with
012each passing year of service and sacrifice. Preserving and sharing their stories is one of the greatest ways we can honor our veterans legacy. ensuring that their experiences and the lessons they learn to future generations. Thank you to all those who have made this ceremony possible to our community partners. Thank you veterans for all your courage and your sacrifice continue to inspire us. We are privileged to share this. Thank you all. [applause] >> [applause] >> One of my personal favorite parts of this program is the performance of armed forces, the pride of America by high school marching band. The song honors all branches of the US military, reminding us that our nation's strength and freedom are upheld through the sheer dedication and teamwork of every service member, regardless of branch. Today's performance is directed by Neil
013Green. I invite all veterans to stand when they hear the melody of their military branch. the [music] United States Army. [music] [applause] [music] >> [music] [music] >> The United free. [applause] [music] [applause] [music] Heat. >> [music] >> the United States Navy. [applause] [music] >> [music] [music] >> Are you You see? [applause] [music] Are you safe here? [applause] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] [applause] >> As we continue to commemorate Veterans Day, we are privileged to share the special honor with the growing talents of our Dwip Middle School's sixth grade choir, directed by Caitlyn McDougall, Skippers, and accompanied Christian love. Let us listen with open hearts and deep appreciation for the lyrics that honor the sacrifices of those who have served our great nation. They will be singing thank
014you soul. [applause] When I lay my head down, I can stay there. [music and singing] You're standing on your feet, keeping watch [music] in the air and defending [singing and music] all the white and blue. Thank you. Oh, thank you men and women and to those who serve so we sing this song [singing] [music] for And here you [singing] hold so dear that we may [music] freest [music and singing] country joins to sing. Thank you. [singing and music] Oh, thank you. Men and women, brave and strong [music] to serve. We sing this greatful song. Thank you. Oh, thank you men and women and to those who serve [singing] so gallently. We sing this grateful song. [applause] What? >> At every program, we invite a special guest to speak with our veterans, student body, and all
015those in attendance to honor them. This year's speaker is not only a veteran but also a faithful attendee to all of our programs this year. Sergeant Daniel Grever served his country in the US Army from 1968 to 1971 as a military intelligence operations specialist with the region 3 military intelligence group conducting critical security clearance investigations during the Vietnam War era. He continued his service as a reserve staff sergeant with the third psychological operations company until 1995. Following his military service, Sergeant Graver built an impressive 43-year career in telecommunications with Bell of Pennsylvania, Verizon, and AT&T, rising from technician to manager and training center director. A University of Pittsburgh graduate. He's been a proud Duet residence for 33 years. He is married to his wife Sharon and is the proud father of seven children and 14
016grand. Please give him a warm panther, Sergeant [applause] J. Before [applause] I start, I want to recognize someone is in a different river. [applause] >> The book is amazing with your screwdriver. Stephanie at ease. Early in the 1960s as a pretine, my twin brother Dave and I knew our uncle Regis was a survivor. survivor in the D-Day. Regus was an army soldier as a hero many times. We were given an old green old army tent slept in it. Played with army twice. Love the bomb heads. Playing war games was our life. We were playing clothes carried. and air rifles. We enjoyed marching around the yard and the neighborhood. We were given army helmets as gifts. We place four gold scars on the front stickers. We became generals. Our friends were our soldiers and marched with
017us left and left. We were commanders. Sadly, we played with match with firecrackers and lid campers accidentally burned down our tents. Always play an army at ease formation. Does anyone know the original name of Veterans Day? >> Armistice Day was established in 1938 during World War I. Ar day, November 11th, 1918 as commemoration the end of World War I in the French. The 11th hour was the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In 1954 after World War II in the reinforce name change to honor military service everywhere back in the day they said boys to fight forever change. I want to start with 1927 patriotic signed it. Your land, my land is the best land of all. Sweet land of freedom, the great and the small. So let's stand the last one from
018all and to our own red, white America. Call on us if things go wrong. always see through America each man whatever is the subject of military uniforms and what they represent to signify rank unit affiliation combat or occult wealth of information attention times avoid the I just started a new job. We look at life, talk a lot, and think alike. In May 1968, my brother Dave and I received our medicine in the federal building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My brother and I visit the recruited him. Recruiter gave us two options. >> Option one, spend two years of service. Service would be most likely in a war zone. No options yet. Army, open such a time as this. My brother made a decision right there. The Army Intelligence Command where we went and we replied we are tweaked
019same day alert. The only difference is our social security number one digit difference. Spent a lot of time after that individuals A few months later as an intelligence specialist region 109 in Pennsylvania I applied position best decision I ever made the rest of my career there I was on civilian status camouflage with no required I lived at home with my widow's mother. I went to work in street car. Best job ever. I left the garden as a professional and earned a BA degree Gunic service. I in the same colors blue and gold not after my service I employment I had three extra years in 1989 in the army reserve psychological cooperation in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania I was annual function to use all media movies and serve with my brother David operations to target specific anti-American examples
020and storms. a great career with the army. Through the years, I have always military operated celebrate The 4th of July is our flag because the wind of America undisclosed with Veterans Day for me over 19 years ago. You may know World War II veteran veterans. He always survived. Michael is a Marine 1967 69 contractor. died in the army was a dentist station in Alabama died and survived Jackman died. My brother Dave and I also France day. We observe the performance of dayune 1944. We witness performance. I bought an American flag and took it to both senators in Norm it Operation American. He was with the 41st infantry of the division. He died in battle. Thank you for your service. For the last 15 years, my father and I great military educational seration. USA over there.
021Over there. So beware. participating. It's truly an honor. Not what they were called to do. Remember to dress right. It's not about face. Again, children sold what they were called to do. I am a soldier, a lonely farm. I am not providing service today. We're standing in standing pray. We are your serviceful heart. Thanks and praise for our days as we go. Because of you, I am glad USA song. And the army goes rolling along. Attention at ease. Fall on lights out. [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you, Sergeant Graver. I hope that all of you can make a connection to Sergeant Crater's words today so that you can take that connection back to the hallways in the school with him and communicate with once again. Let's now turn our attention to the Dwet High School
022Chamber choir. They will be singing Song for the Unsung Hero directed by Megan Albert Woolsey and accompanied by John Taylor Smith. [applause] singles. Those You [music] [singing] courage me [music] freely [music] before You sing the song of liberty [music] for her. brings those [music] we will sing. [singing and music] We will keep our voices strong for [music] singity. [music] [singing] [music] [singing] Sing [music] of peace [music] and I see [music] all the Build [music] us from every mountain. Let us sing the song of freom. Sing the song of liberty. [music] >> [music] [applause] >> We now arrive at one of the most sacred moments in our ceremony. Taps has been sounded in military services for over 160 years. Its powerful sound brings emotional veterans to most. For the veterans with us today, this bugle call
023carries profound meaning. It honors fallen comrades, commemorates sacrifice, and reminds us that freedom is never free. Now let us all pause for a moment of silence to honor all those who have served this great nation by paying the ultimate sacrifice. This will be followed by the claim of tax performed by Mr. Christopher Pand director at Middle School. >> [music] >> Thank you. [applause] [applause] Today is a reminder of the service that our military men and women have done and continue to do for every nation all while proudly wearing their uniforms. More importantly is to remind us that the principles that guide us are wearing that uniform become more real not to just not to just us wearing it but to those who see us in it. Students, please know that to become part of the
024greater good is an honor. And that uniform given to you is something that we all in this gym will look to with pride while you are competing, presenting, or performing in it. Furthermore, I challenge you to find opportunities every day to perform an act of service on your team, in your classroom, in your club, in your friend group, to a stranger with whom you've never spoken. Veterans, I hope that you felt the honor and the pride of our community of learners as we salute you for your act of service. While we will not truly understand it in its entirety, we can recognize and never forget that you have This program could not have been successful without the help and support of so many people within our district and community. First and foremost, I'd like to
025thank Chris Klein who is a retired middle school social studies teacher who was the pioneer of this program many years ago. Her vision began that became a tradition for all of us. Thank you to our superintendent, our administration, our staff, to our board of education for attending and for allowing us to keep that tradition alive. to Adam Arzinski and his tech department, to Lisa Norman, Jessica Schultz, and Noah Hansen for overseeing a creative participant for her design of the program for our guests. to senior EJ L student photographer for capturing all today's moments on film. Several staff members who have had a hand in executing all aspects of this program behind the scenes and couldn't have come together without you. You know who you are. Especially to my assistants this year, faculty members Jaclyn Williams
026and Cody Hun for working alongside me to create a successful event. Your help made the planning seamless. To the many students representing clubs and organizations this morning who volunteered to help welcome our guests. To the middle school for coming over today. to my colleagues and my administration in the building for supporting this program in your own way. Some of our local businesses also have contributed to help with the reception before this program. Bigby of Dwit again has served our veterans at this morning's reception with their hot coffee. A local forest house greenhouse up the road has donated arrangements. Linda Hunt, a sweeticious bakery, and local physician Dr. Eric Novak, community member in high school, for his generosity in affording a warm breakfast to our guest earlier this morning. To our student performers, directors, and accompanists,
027the chamber cho [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> for an outstanding performance of attack. [applause] to our backpiper Bill Allen for his time. [applause] Thank you Sergeant Dan for sharing your words today. your [applause] take a second to extend a personal thank you to Mike Brown [applause] and helping to solidify the tradition of this program that was start many years years ago. I had the honor of working alongside him, not only to grow the legacy of the program, but also as a colleague in the building. If it were not for his passion, his sincere interest and investment in it, we would not be looking up in the at the beautiful flag that he That's [applause] [applause] for your contribution to making this program what it is. Now, we also wish you well [applause] most important. Thank
028you. [applause] to this great nation. So students, the next time you come on uniform. Remember to represent. Also, shake a veteran's hand and thank them for their service. I'd like to ask all of you remain in your seats as our backpiper will lead our veterans out the door. Thank you. And as Mike Fry says, have a great day. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] [applause] >> Heat. Heat. [applause] Heat. Heat. [applause] Heat. Heat. [applause] Serious.