Vets to be honored at special assembly

GRAVETTE — Area veterans will be honored at an assembly at 9 a.m. this Friday, Nov. 9, at the Gravette High School Performing Arts Center.

Sponsored by the Gravette High School Student Council, the annual event will be preceded by a reception at 8:30 in the high school commons honoring veterans and their families.

The all-high-school gathering will include showing a video of interviews with local vets and a history of Veterans Day, which is officially observed on Sunday, Nov. 11,the day which World War I officially ended in 1918. Originally called Armistice Day, it was later expanded to honor all veterans.

Russell Sharp, student council president, will welcome veterans and their families to the assembly, followed by presentation of the Colors by Tyler Homer and Kelly Lange, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Aubree Garrett, student council secretary.

A moment of silence will precede the GHS band’s rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner,” directed by Mike Johnson.

Carson Alsup, student council representative, will present a history ofVeterans Day, followed by two numbers by the GHS mass choir, directed by Shelly O’Dell. “America the Beautiful” will feature soloist Shelby Helser, and “Can You Hear,” soloist Tori Key.

The “Supporting Our Veterans” video will be followed by a rousing rendition of “On Parade” by the GHS band, and “Taps” by band member Adrian Holland.

Russell Sharp will give closing remarks and retiring of the Colors will end the program.

All area veterans and their families are invited to attend this program, which is a long-time tradition at Gravette High School.