from American Preparatory Academy
American Preparatory Academy (APA) in Cedar City honored local veterans in a deeply moving Veterans Day assembly on Friday, November 8th, at the school’s newly opened location at 782 N Main St. The ceremony was attended by many veterans from Cedar City and surrounding areas, who were welcomed warmly by students, staff, and the community, making it a memorable and emotional tribute.
The assembly featured students performing patriotic songs, reciting poems, and reading essays that shared their perspectives on the importance of service and sacrifice. Each essay, written by APA students, spoke to the veterans’ commitment to their country and the lasting impact of their service. The students’ words brought a sense of reverence and understanding to the assembly, showcasing the impact that such sacrifices have on their lives and on the nation’s continued freedom.
“This is one of our biggest and most highly anticipated events of the year,” said Casey Anderson, Chairman of the APA Cedar City governing board. “At APA, we believe it’s essential for our students to honor our veterans and understand the sacrifices they made to protect our country and the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. This assembly is our way of expressing gratitude and ensuring the legacy of their service is passed on to the next generation.”
Veterans in attendance represented every branch of the United States military, including the Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marines. Each veteran was individually announced, recognized, and honored. The applause that followed each name was a testament to the appreciation and respect felt by everyone in the room. The veterans were then presented with tokens of appreciation by the students: special pins reading “Honored Veteran – Legacy of Loyalty and Service. American Preparatory Academy 2024.” Alongside the pins, students gave handwritten notes of gratitude, offering personal messages of thanks and respect.
The assembly concluded with students handing out these notes and sharing personal words of appreciation with the veterans, creating touching one-on-one moments. Many veterans were visibly moved, as the students expressed their admiration and thanks, demonstrating an understanding and respect for the sacrifices these men and women made for their country.
One of the central messages of the assembly was the importance of preserving the freedoms that these veterans fought to protect. Through the poems and essays, students reflected on the sacrifices made by service members and the significance of the Constitution. Teachers and administrators believe this message is vital for students to understand.
“We make it a priority for our students to learn about the sacrifices our service members have made,” explained Anderson. “It’s important for them to understand not only what our veterans have done to protect us but also the reasons behind their service—the desire to keep America and its people safe and to uphold our constitutional rights.”
APA Cedar City’s Veterans Day assembly provided the students with a tangible connection to the values they study and the freedom they enjoy. By bringing these values to life and allowing students to interact directly with veterans, APA hopes to instill a lasting respect for those who serve and a commitment to understanding and upholding the principles that guide the country.
APA’s Veterans Day celebration is more than an assembly; it’s an opportunity for students to recognize and appreciate the importance of loyalty, service, and sacrifice. It is one of the academy’s many ways of connecting students to the values that shape American society, encouraging them to grow as citizens who honor and uphold the legacy of those who have served.
In closing, Anderson shared, “We are incredibly proud of our students for the way they honored our veterans. Their participation in this assembly reflects the heart of our school community. We are grateful to the veterans who joined us today and to all veterans who have served to protect our country. Their sacrifices make gatherings like this possible, and we are honored to express our thanks in this small way.”
The public can watch the recording of the ceremony by scanning the QR code.
1 comment
Crystal Bilyeu
This was a wonderful program that deeply touched my Veteran Husband and me. When he came home during the Vietnam War he was spit on and not thanked by anyone. These young students and the staff were amazing!]