Veterans Day Commemoration at SFSC
SFSC hosted its annual Veterans Day Commemoration on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Alan J. Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at SFSC.
Terry Atchley, chair of the SFSC District Board of Trustees, welcomed those in attendance and offered words in tribute to our veterans: “As we gather to honor our veterans, we are reminded of the incredible service and sacrifices made by the men and women who have and continue to defend our freedom. Veterans Day is not just a moment on the calendar but a meaningful occasion to express our deepest gratitude and respect to those who have served in uniform. Today, as we reflect, may we carry forth the lessons that our veterans have taught us. They have shown us courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment. To those veterans here today, know that your service will never be forgotten.”
SPC David Leidel, a veteran of the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division and former member of the SFSC District Board of Trustees, gave the keynote speech. “What is a veteran?, he asked. “A veteran on active duty, discharged, or retired is someone who at one point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for the amount up to and including their life. That is why we love our veterans. Because they loved something about our country so much that they would be willing to lay down their lives.
“Military service is more than just a uniform. For many of us, it was the first meaningful time that we volunteered to serve something greater than ourselves. We learned to put others first. We learned that to accomplish a mission, we had to help a teammate. While we made sacrifices, we saw the benefits in doing so. That is why you see so many veterans wanting to continue to serve this country and the communities that they live in and are a part of. We know that by working together and investing in our fellow citizens, we can make the world a better place. But you don’t have to be a veteran to do that. We can all fill that role. The best way to thank our veterans is to come together in the communities that we live and find a common thread, if we all share and work to improve the lives of those around us.”
The Avon Park High School Air Force JROTC presented the colors during the ceremony and the Sebring High School Show Choir performed the National Anthem and “God Bless the USA.”
