Veterans Day message was one of gratitude
Published 12:10 am Saturday, November 9, 2024
Flags were waving as the opening music was sung by the younger students. – Karen Kistler
Third graders close the program as they sing “My Country ’Tis of Thee.” — Karen Kistler
Major William Paul, U.S. Air Force, served as the guest speaker for the annual Veterans Day chapel at Salisbury Academy. – Karen Kistler
The Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard opened the ceremony with the presentation of colors. Karen Kistler
Following the presentation of the colors, Taps was played. – Karen Kistler
Head of School Beverly Fowler, far right, and the eighth grade readers, from left, Elsie Hinson, Mary Masters Goodman and Campbell Aron, listen to the speaker. – Karen Kistler
Veterans were called to come forward to be recognized. – Karen Kistler
Veterans came to the front at the end of the ceremony to be recognized. – Karen Kistler
Music teacher Kristen Sharp provided prelude music and accompanied those singing. – Karen Kistler
Major William Paul and his wife Alex and son Henry, who was wearing his grandfather’s play Army clothes take a moment for a photo. – Karen Kistler
SALISBURY — Gratitude was the message that was shared throughout the Veterans Day chapel held at Salisbury Academy.
During the Nov. 7 event, U.S. Air Force veteran Major William Paul, spoke to the students on this character trait, beginning first with a history lesson on Veterans Day and how it was established.
Paul, a Salisbury native and 2008 graduate of Salisbury High School, graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2012. He served active duty from 2012 to 2024 flying C-17 cargo jets, commanded special operations in combat support missions and was deployed three times to the Middle East.
With the N.C. Air National Guard, he serves part time as a C-17 instructor and when not serving the guard, flies the 737 as a first officer for American Airlines.
In telling his message, Paul said each Veterans Day, “I find myself especially grateful more than anything else.”
He said he was grateful for the privilege he had to serve alongside “truly remarkable men and women,” the opportunity and perspective the service gave him and the sacrifice of veterans who served under more difficult circumstances than himself.
Paul said that gratitude is one of his favorite virtues as he said it renews his appreciation for the things we face every day, things that many take for granted.
He told the students that first and foremost he is grateful to God for the beauty around us, telling that he has seen lots of God’s creation in his travels.
God has shown him, he said, that most people are truly good, “no matter what they look like or what land they call home.”
Paul said that God has protected him from danger and kept his family safe as they waited for him to return home.
Especially grateful for his family, he said they have made many sacrifices and braved things alone while he was gone, thus making them his heroes. And being away from them and missing out on hugs and bedtime stories makes him appreciate even more the time together with those he loves, something others there could understand as well.
His gratitude extended to his country, the freedom, resources and opportunities, telling how he delivered medical supplies to countries struck by disease, air dropped food and water to those cut off by war and delivered troops and tools used to fight wars.
Gratitude for Salisbury was next on his list as he spoke about living in a community where people know one another and look after each other, a blessing not found everywhere.
He expressed gratitude for the school and its leaders, telling that there are some places that share one book for an entire class and other places where children are not allowed to go to school at all.
And then, looking out over the group of students, he said, “finally, I’m grateful for you.” He said that sometimes he gets nervous about challenges and conflicts that might be ahead and sad when people don’t show respect for others or they forget to be thankful, but, he said, “the best cure for that for me personally in moments like this when I get a glimpse into the best future has to offer and that’s you.”
Paul left them with two challenges. First was whatever they do in the future, he encouraged them to use their skills to serve others, and secondly, everyday remember what you are grateful for.
Additional opportunities to express thanks were provided during the program as Beverly Fowler, head of the school, thanked everyone for attending, including veterans and local elected officials and each person who participated in the program, which began with the presentation of colors and playing of Taps by members of the Rowan County Veterans Honor Group followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Special music, accompanied by music teacher Kristen Sharp, was provided to open and close the ceremony by different classes. The junior kindergarten and kindergarten classes sang “You Are My Sunshine,” the first and second graders, “America the Beautiful,” the third graders, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” and the fourth graders, “This Land is Your Land.”
Eighth graders were thanked for their assistance in serving as greeters, providing programs and being readers during the program, which included Campbell Aron, who led in The Lord’s Prayer, Elsie Hinson, who led in the prayer for the day and Mary Masters Goodman who introduced the guest speaker.
Fowler also took the opportunity to read the list of names of former Salisbury Academy students who are in service. The 15 names were provided in the program along with their branch of service.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, any veteran in attendance was asked to come forward or stand to be recognized.
Fowler said that this Veterans Day chapel is a “special day for us” and is a tradition that has been going on for at least 20 years and one they will continue.
“This is one of the most special chapels Salisbury Academy has,” said Susan Muth, one of the parents, adding that it is an honor to recognize the veterans in the community, expressing gratitude for their service.
