Pleasanton-area veterans recount their experience in Veterans Day program

Several veterans recounted their experiences during the program on Veterans Day program at Pleasanton High School on Tuesday, Nov. 11. (Images by Billy Roudybush)

By Billy Roudybush

Journal contributor

Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, was the end of the Great War. Sadly, the armistice did not end war. So, Armistice Day transcended into our modern-day Veterans Day. Now we recognize the service and sacrifice our service members provided while they served in the military.

Pleasanton High School seniors’ class, led by teacher Cristy Cutshaw, held a Veterans Day ceremony for their families and local veterans. Seniors Elijah Bates, Natalie Bautista, Alexus Brown, Tatum Eastman, Makya Neal-Cox, Brannon Leboeuf, Lincoln Baldwin, Tanner Bertram, Garrett Conley, Nichole Marshall, Gage McGinnis, Brayden Reeves, and Kam Staton provided short stories about family members. They had family members who served from World War II through Korea, Vietnam even up to modern day.

PHS students demonstrate the method of folding the U.S. flag used by members of the Armed Forces.

A patriotic theme was maintained as presentations about folding the flag and the missing man table was provided. Arlington National Cemetery is found to have a Pleasanton native interned. Julius Cecil Holmes from Pleasanton is buried in Arlington with his wife. Statistics were also provided about veterans’ mental health. Not to be left out, Pleasanton Elementary and the high school choir sang songs with the patriotic theme.

Finally, all veterans present were called forward. Each veteran gave their time of military service. Then, each was presented with a certificate thanking them for their service to the United States. All had their hands shook and to finish, the group received a standing ovation. A proper sendoff for those who served, not for glory but just to do their duty.

Veterans were given certificates of appeciation for their service during the program.