Vets honored at Philip Simmons Elementary School and High School
In honor of Veterans Day, Philips Simmons High School hosted a breakfast and special “Salute to Service” program for local veterans and their families on Friday, Nov. 9. A small group of select students joined local veterans and active servicemen to chat and get acquainted. The program then opened up and moved into the auditorium.
Freshman Camille Fei hosted the ceremony, at which the Joint Base Charleston Honor Guard gave a Presentation of the Colors. The Iron Horse Band played the national anthem and “The March of the Armed Forces,” and Philips Simmons Elementary students sang “Eleven Eleven March” and “For the Good of the Many” by Teresa Jennings, as well as “We Will not Forget” by John Riggio.
Two active veterans gave words of service as a tribute to veterans and shared their stories of personal motivation. United States Air Force servicemembers Lt. Colonel Rafael Carroll, serving his 22nd year, and Master Sergeant Danny N. South, in his 15th year, were presented with a framed tribute from the student body.
The way to heal, Master Sergeant Danny South suggests, is to find a way to serve, because, “these scars do not define us.”