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DHS observance puts face on military service

November 12, 2008|DAVID BROCK

Danville High School honored several generations of military veterans, including many of the school's alumni and staff, on Tuesday.

Gravely Hall was packed for an assembly organized by the school's Junior States of America chapter for the second year. The national high school organization is for students interested in politics, foreign affairs, law and education.

President Rhianna Miles said it is especially appropriate for Danville to host such an event.

"I think there is a connection with the students here because we have a lot of students who go into some branch of the military," she said. "You can tell by the response that service is something they respect and understand. Everyone knows someone who is in the military."

The program featured retired Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Howard Hunt, a 1969 graduate of Danville High School.

Hunt's speech addressed the symbolism of the military uniform. He also encouraged students to remember the importance of military service in defending their way of life.

"So fragile is our freedom, that it requires the commitment of every single one of us," he said. "I know first-hand that the military is certainly not for everybody, and this is not about recruitment. As you choose your career, though, consider this: If not you, then who? If not now, then when?"

Danville alumni

Some more recent DHS graduates who have decided on military careers also were on the stage Tuesday.

Christopher Davis and James Robinson, who graduated last year, were part of the Kentucky National Guard Color Guard.

Later in the assembly, Keith Ransdell, a staff sergeant in the Kentucky National Guard and 1989 graduate of Danville High, presented the school an American flag. The flag was flown at one of Saddam Hussein's palaces during Ransdell's deployment to Iraq.

The audience also was filled with alumni veterans.

George White, a member of the Class of 1945 and a Navy veteran of World War II, was front and center. White, who was in Okinawa when the war ended, was pleased with what he saw Tuesday.

"This is wonderful," he said. "It has got to instill some sense of patriotism and pride in country. I think that is something that can definitely get lost today."

JSA advisor Shari Stewart believes the event, which was completely conceived of and carried off by the students, has multiple benefits.

"Organizing this event provides JSA members with real leadership opportunities," she said. "It allows the entire student body to put a face with military service, which often seems to be an abstract idea for them. Most importantly, the veterans realize how much they are appreciated."

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