American flags held up by the Color Guard lined the aisles of Lasker auditorium as students took their seats for the annual Memorial Day assembly, Thursday, May 8, during e-block.
According to former North school counselor Larry Allen, the Memorial Day assembly has been held at North in collaboration with American Legion Post 440 for many years. He added that this year North took a greater role in organizing the commemoration.
Graduating seniors who plan to serve in the US military received congratulations from guest speaker, Colonel Matthew Getty.
According to Allen, who helped to coordinate the event, the assembly aimed to teach students the importance of serving in the military and respecting those who have served.
“I hope they realize that freedom isn’t free, that people have made sacrifices to protect it, and that they should be aware and appreciative of the sacrifices that have been made to defend the constitution,” said Allen.
History department chair Greg Drake added that the Memorial Day assembly serves multiple purposes for the school.
“It is important for us to recognize those who have served for this country, particularly those who have given their lives in service,” said Drake.
Drake added, “I also think it’s important to recognize our students who have made a commitment to serve our country, and to reflect on our values as a school and country because it is those values that our military fights for.”
This year, the assembly included history teacher Brian Goeselt, who served in the US Army from 1982 to 1986 in West Germany, in addition to Getty, who served as the commander of the 89th Operations Group.
Following senior congratulations, Goeselt spoke about the idea of service being an essential part of the “American experiment”, and his experience in the US military.
According to Goeselt, the assembly and Memorial Day itself was a way for him and the audience to reflect on national identity.
Getty’s presentation focused on the importance and meaning behind military service and how the oath each member swears upon entering the military connects them to each other despite their different backgrounds and opinions.
“Their uniforms and battlefields may look different, but their service runs deep,” said Getty.
The assembly opened with a speech from Principal Henry Turner, which discussed how the assembly would aim to highlight the importance of honoring the US constitution.
Turner’s speech was followed by the performance of America the Beautiful, written by North alumnus, Katharine Lee Bates, 1874, and performed at the assembly by North’s choir. Following the choir’s performance, senior Patrick Devlin performed the national anthem.
Following the assembly, Goeselt added, “It’s a chance to think about how we value what veterans sacrificed for, which is our freedom. Memorial Day Focuses on rights, freedoms, and the ability to be who we want to be.”
Goeselt said that he hoped after listening to his speech, students could better understand the practical application of military experience, whether that is money or getting to know yourself better, and becoming a part of a greater good for the welfare of the country.
Allen closed the ceremony by handing out mini copies of the Constitution to the students. Allen said he hopes that students will flip through it and make informed decisions about their government.
