Geneseo High School honored members of the United States Armed Forces during its annual Veterans Day assembly held Tuesday morning.
“Today we come together as a school and as a community to pause, reflect, and express our deepest gratitude to those who have served in the Armed Forces,” said GHS Principal Tom Ryerson. “Your courage, your sacrifice, and your unwavering dedication have safeguarded the freedoms and opportunities we sometimes take for granted.”
The all-school event began with the National Anthem, performed by soloist Nina Schmedding.
Student Council President Ava Brewer then welcomed the veterans in attendance and recognized three members of the high school staff — Mike Harrington, Beverly Jacobs, and Dan Rakestraw — who served in the Army.
“We are honored to have veterans among us today who have served our country with courage, dedication, and sacrifice,” said Brewer. “Your presence reminds us of the freedoms we enjoy every day and the strength it takes to protect them.”
The assembly’s keynote address was delivered by GHS junior Elena Anderson. Elena’s parents, Josh and Isabel Anderson (all three are pictured above), both served in the Army. She shared childhood memories of missing her father, who was in Special Forces and served from 1998 to 2018, when he was away.
“When my dad was going to deploy, I would sit on his big feet and hold onto his legs as tight as possible to make him stay,” said Anderson. “I held onto my teddy bear each night, hoping he would call so I could tell him how much I missed him. Moving [to Geneseo] after his retirement wasn't easy, but sacrifice isn't easy. It's not supposed to be.”
She added, “As a kid, my favorite superhero was Superman. But now I'd say my dad is my biggest hero, and my own Superman. He is a stoic force with gentle humility, as are many veterans. We walk past them every day, but none of us will ever understand what they went through. We won't know the level of pain they had to endure for the sake of freedom.”
Anderson shared that while her father was deployed, her mother, who served from 1998 to 2004, took care of the family.
“She served during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003,” said Anderson. “I wasn't born until after her time in the Army, so most of my childhood memories consist of her watching over us while our father was deployed. She has always been a tough, resilient woman who has never backed down from any challenge.”
Now, inspired by her parents, Elena has her own aspirations to serve one day.
“I have always wanted to go into the Army just like my parents, but it wasn't until last year I really decided I wanted to go to West Point,” she said. “Despite its rigorous requirements, I want to have the opportunity to attend. I will try my hardest this year to not only train myself mentally, but physically, to achieve the greatness needed to apply.”
In the days leading up to the assembly, students and staff participated in a “Hat Days” fundraiser, contributing $1 per day for the privilege of wearing hats at school. The initiative raised more than $260, which will be donated to the Geneseo Aisle of Flags.
Musical performances by the high school choir featured renditions of “Homeland” and “God Bless America.” The program concluded with the band performing the “Armed Forces Medley,” as attendees once again recognized and applauded the veterans present.
“Veterans have done so much for our country, and deserve every bit of appreciation,” said Anderson. “Whether you realize it or not, from the day you were born to the moments leading up to now, and every single moment after, someone has been out there giving themselves up for you and your country. So the very least, the very least we can do, is thank a veteran today and every day for all they have done for us.”