Ansbach Junior ROTC salutes veterans during school ceremony

By Alyssa Saunders, Ansbach High School Journalism ClassNovember 26, 2014

Salute
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Salute
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Cake
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Madonna Roberts, the senior officer for the Ansbach High School Junior ROTC program, hands out a fork following a ceremony. Junior ROTC cadets of Ansbach High School host a Veterans Day salute to honor veterans at the school Nov. 6, 2014. (Photo... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

[Editor's note: This story is a product of the Ansbach High School Journalism Class. Alyssa Saunders, sophomore, wrote the article, and Rebecca Roush, sophomore, took the photographs.]

ANSBACH, Germany (Nov. 26, 2014) -- Ansbach High School Junior ROTC, 9th Battalion, gave a special salute to military veterans at Ansbach Middle High School Nov. 6.

The students organized and presented a special Veterans Day program in the multi-purpose room to honor veterans in the military community, including teachers at Ansbach MHS.

The program began with the presentation of the colors, and the AMHS choir sang the national anthem. The battalion of JROTC cadets then marched in while chanting a cadence.

The program was lead entirely by student speakers as well as choir and band members. John Bare spoke of the American flag and what it symbolizes. Richard Hoffman quoted a survivor of the Holocaust who was freed by the U.S. Army. Alec Ortiz and Mario Rivera sang "Letters from Home" by John Michael Montgomery while Jonathan Miller played the guitar. A collection of letters, World War II Correspondence, was read by Joxua Baughman and Rudy Roberts. Anastasiya Henry and Stephanie Avila recited the lyrics from a Johnny Cash song called "Ragged Old Flag." A Veterans Day tribute, "The Noble and the Brave," was presented by Kaitlyn Pyrtle.

Veterans and Soldiers were recognized, including faculty members from Ansbach MHS who served in the military. The veteran/teachers included Kenneth Miller, Brett Richards, Bryan Osewalt, Madonna Roberts, Randy Dolph, Myra Taylor and John Cogswell.

The Saber Guard concluded the program, allowing guests to proceed to the JROTC classroom for a reception with cake and beverages. Guests included parents, community members, and the U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach command team.

"This was a fantastic event for the JROTC to honor veterans," said Col. Christopher M. Benson, USAG Ansbach commander. "It was very special."

Benson said one of the highlights of the assembly was the story of the Holocaust. He also said the Johnny Cash song was "pretty moving" when students recited the lyrics.

"This was a good reminder of why were are here and what we do," said Benson.

"The next generation is instilling pride and service," said Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Kiefer. "Our country is built on generations of pride and service."

To see more photographs, select "JROTC Veterans Day salute photo album" in the "Related Links" section. To learn more about the Ansbach Middle/High School, select "USAG Ansbach schools" in the "Related Links" section above.

Related Links:

USAG Ansbach blog site

USAG Ansbach home page

USAG Ansbach schools

USAG Ansbach Flickr page

USAG Ansbach Twitter feed

USAG Ansbach Facebook page

JROTC Veterans Day salute photo album

USAG Ansbach Youtube channel