SHOW OF APPRECIATION

Owen J. Roberts High School salutes Veterans Day

SOUTH COVENTRY >> Owen J. Roberts High School celebrated servicemen and servicewomen on Friday in honor of Veterans Day.

Veterans and Owen J. Roberts students gathered in the school’s auditorium to take part in the school’s 13th annual Veterans Day ceremony and luncheon.

Opening remarks from David Schwenk, the school’s head of social studies, kicked off the event with additional comments from Superintendent of Schools Susan T. Lloyd.

“Today in all seven of our schools, teachers and students pause to honor every man and woman who has ever worn the uniform of our nation; those who selflessly secured America’s promise throughout our history, a history that teaches us that security doesn’t just happen,” said Lloyd.

As NJROTC cadets stood at attention along the edges of the auditorium, the NJROTC Drill Team and Drum and Bugle Corps played a tribute to the armed forces.

Speakers at Friday’s event included Cadet/Lt. Commander Eric Friedeman, an NJROTC senior office, Pennsylvania State Rep. Tim Hennessey, Phil Innamorato, standing as a representative for Sen. Patrick Toomey, as well Owen J. Roberts student government president Ahmed Alveed.

“My gratitude extends past a traditional appreciation ex-

pressed today,” said Alveed.

“As a second generation American and proud United States citizen, I have firsthand

experience with the tears someone will cry or the distance someone will go to have the opportunity to raise a family under the flag that our veterans defend ... It is because of the work you do on the battlefield, around the world

and even at home that allows me to continue to grow and take advantage of the opportunities that you all have made available.”

Following a rendition of “God Bless America” performed by the Owen J. Roberts High School Choir, Master Gunnery Sgt. Andrew Worley, head of the NJROTC, took the opportunity to speak to students about what Veterans Day means on the other side of the fence.

“I’ve learned that you push and push and push and you never give up,” said Worley about his experiences in the Navy. “I’ve used what I learned in the service to pass on to my cadets. I tell them, ‘One bite at a time.’”

The ceremony was attended by several World War II veterans as well as others. It concluded with a rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Veterans were then invited into the school’s large group instruction room to enjoy a catered lunch in appreciation for their service.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Members of the NJROTC lined the walls of the Owen J. Roberts High School auditorium Friday in celebration of Veterans Day. The school honored veterans with a ceremony and luncheon for the 13th year Friday.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA The NJROTC Drill Team at Owen J. Roberts High School presented the flags for each military branch during the school’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA The NJROTC Drum & Bugle Corps performed military songs as the flags of each branch were presented. The school celebrated its 13th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday ahead of Veterans Day on Sunday.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA The Owen J. Roberts High School Choir sang the National Anthem Friday, as well as a selection of other patriotic songs during the annual Veterans Day Ceremony.