Stacey Stillwell snapped to attention and saluted as a color guard presented the American flag at the 20th annual Veterans Day assembly at Central Junior High School in Springdale.
Stillwell works as a custodian at Central, but on Veterans Day, wearing her fatigues, she was a soldier, Pvt. 1st Class Stillwell of the Army National Guard. Alongside her was her son, Ronnie, a sixth-grader at Helen Tyson Middle School, to see his mother recognized by nearly 900 students and community members.
Freedom isn’t free
Paul Griep, principal of Central Junior High, shared with his students reflections on “the costs that enabled me to be free. We have all heard the saying, ‘Freedom is not free.’”
Griep agreed and listed questions he asks himself:
• Do I understand the sacrifice that was paid by the American veteran?
• Do I understand the thoughts that went through the mind of a brave soldier as he or she prepared for a mission … thousands of miles from home?
• Do I understand the courage that filled our brave soldiers when they were not guaranteed an outcome in battle?
• Do I respect, honor, and feel appreciate their service?
"I'm honored to be able to be a part (of the assembly)," Stillwell said. Her grandfather, mother and cousins also served in the U.S. armed forces.
"I got to see it growing up on the outside, but it's a big realization to see the people who have come before you, who have paved the way for you."
Paul Griep, principal of the school, opened the program with reflections on the privileges Americans share.
"As an American, I enjoy the privilege of voting, owning property, being able to express my thoughts and do anything I am willing to work toward," he said.
Nearly 70 veterans attended the assembly, veterans from all branches of the military and veterans of nearly all wars -- World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and both recent wars in the Middle East -- veterans from age 85 to the young Phillip Roam, a Marine who served in Iraq, who now teaches CJH students.
Jim Rollins, superintendent of the Springdale schools, introduced Rep. Steve Womack as the keynote speaker: "One of the most basic roles of our government is to provide common defense of the country. And Congressman Womack always shares his love and passion for our country."
Womack -- a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard and member of the congressional defense committee -- shared with students insights into the World War II veterans who are quickly aging out of this nation's memory.
"They were affectionately known as America's 'greatest generation'," he said, sharing words from Tom Brokaw, an American television journalist, longtime anchor of the NBC Nightly News and author of The Greatest Generation, a book about World War II veterans.
Womack explained the soldiers of the 1930s and 1940s were caught up in the everyday activities of young people, including finishing their education, starting careers and chasing romance and adventure. "Their country called them -- summoned this generation to two of the bloodiest conflicts ever seen -- and they never complained," Womack said. "They won the world and saved the world. That's why they are known as America's greatest generation. They surrendered a lot to provide protection and peace for Americans and the world."
Adrian Gonzales, a CJH ninth-grader, said he was inspired by the military when he was younger and wanted to serve. But he has changed his mind. "Honestly, I don't know if I could make that sacrifice," he admitted.
The shy Ronnie Stillwell has sacrificed, Stacey Stillwell said. The young boy missed his mother as she served six months in North Carolina for basic training. Many students in the audience raised their hands when Womack asked how many of them had family currently serving overseas.
"Even as I speak, men and women scattered across the globe are standing in harm's way," Womack said.
"You're a young audience," he continued. "I wonder who in the audience are going to do what (the veterans) have done -- serve others. 'Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for a friend,'" he said, quoting John 15:13.
"Veterans throughout our nation's history have believed that America's best days are in front of us, not behind," Griep told his students, placing responsibility on their shoulders.
Members of the CJH band honored each branch of the service with a presentation of the service flags and hymns, affecting the heart of former Marine Tex Holt, a Vietnam veteran.
"You look back at World War II vets and know they were the greatest generation," he said. "But we all have a responsibility to help keep freedom going, so our kids and grandkids can enjoy life like we get to have it every day. I'm honored to be a part of it."
Vic Walker, who also served with the Marines in Vietnam, told students about the trials and tribulations the Vietnam veterans faced when they returned to the United States after their service.
"Nobody liked our war. We didn't like our war," he said. "We were not volunteers. The big guy told us to go, and we went. We were blamed for things nobody liked. People would rip (commendation) ribbons off of our uniforms. We had stuff thrown at us. We were spit on; we were urinated on. They called us baby killers and drug addicts. They called us crazy -- but we had to be crazy or we wouldn't survive."
"We had a job to do, and we were doing our job," Holt said, with tears welling in his eyes. "We didn't want to be there. You want to feel like you were doing something to help."
"I think on a day-to-day basis, we take it for granted all the things (the veterans) have done, but we've forgotten," Adrian Gonzalez said. "I think we need to reconsider, take a minute, step back and thank them for a minute. It's the right thing to do."
"A lot of veterans go unnoticed," said ninth-grader Marin Martfeld. "(This assembly) is just one way to reach out and show them support, and recognize how their actions affect us."
Stillwell, Holt, Walker and Roam all said they appreciated the recognition by students, faculty and staff at the school.
"Welcome (the soldiers) back to the world," Walker said. "Shake their hands. Smile. Look in their eyes and say thanks."
"Thank you," Gonzales said. "Thank you for everything you've done to sacrifice."
With a nod, Principal Griep gave his students permission to stand, applaud and stomp their feet on the bleachers in honor of their protectors.
NAN Our Town on 11/19/2015