St. Joseph High School's Interact Club organized its annual Veterans Day Assembly which was held November 11th, the day it has been officially observed on since 1978. Along with the school's students and faculty, it's estimated about 25 local veterans attended, including 99 year-old U.S. Navy World War II veteran Al Hiegel.
The program included a presentation of the colors done by senior Izzie Simon in her capacity as a Girl Scout. That was followed by the singing of the National Anthem performed by the Middle School Choir and conducted by Dr. Liana Tyson.
The Pledge of Allegiance followed along with a series of prayers and readings reflecting on the importance of our military veterans and their valiant service. These were done by Interact Club Board Members Noelle Pizzolatto, Annamarie Rawls, Autumn Skinner, Brileigh Choate and Anna Kate Pasierb. The guest speaker was U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Larry Mahar, the retired former Commander of the 49th Engineer Battalion at Camp Pike in North Little Rock which took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006.
Rousing renditions of two patriotic songs from the choir closed out the tribute; "Those Who Served" and "You're A Grand Old Flag." Thanks to all who participated including behind- the -scenes help from additional club members and students from Ms. Phyllis Eubanks religion classes. She also, with assistance from Ms. Jackie Elsinger and Mr. Jeff Crowder, provided refreshments for the visiting veterans and the student body.
