Maci Miller

Writer

Marlow High School held an assembly for Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11 at the Marlow First Baptist Church. 

Americans set aside this day each year to honor the sacrifices and bravery made by the United States Veterans.

Armistice Day was adopted as a legal holiday by U.S. legislation on Nov. 11, 1918, to honor the veterans of the first World War.

After World War II and the Korean War, Congress decided to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954 in order to honor soldiers of all wars that were fought.

Veterans Day is still a very important day in our nation, and MHS students understand the significance of Veterans Day.

“I like that we have a whole day to think about the people who serve our country,” expressed freshman Delaney Topping.

Sophomore Ethan Vanston’s father served for nine years, so he has developed a strong connection to this holiday.

“I believe that honoring our veterans is very important,” stated Vanston. “They sacrifice everything they have for the chance to make the world and our country safer.” 

Different student organizations led the annual Veterans Day assembly that was held during the school day on Friday.

The Entertainers started the assembly off by singing the “Star Spangled Banner,” and the Marlow FFA officers then recited “The Fallen Soldiers Table.”

State Representative Brad Boles introduced the guest speaker, Commanding Officer Steve Duran.

Duran, who was originally from California, spoke about his time in the military and how it brought him to Edmond, Oklahoma.

“The speaker was very eye opening at what the veterans actually do,” said Topping. “It was very interesting to hear about.”

Finally, MHS principal Bryan Brantley spoke about Marlow High School’s only known veteran who passed in Vietnam. 

At the end of Brantley’s speech senior Caleb Sloan was awarded a $100 scholarship for being Marlow High School’s only student this year to have signed-up to serve our country. 

Veterans Day is a celebration each year that recognizes the sacrifices veterans choose to make each day.