On Thursday, November 9, 2007 Hidden Oaks Middle School hosted their Annual Veteran's Day Program. At 9:30 a.m. they conducted a general Assembly of Students and Faculty and welcomed many distinguished guests from the community.

The Program was presented by Ms. Lambdin, Principal, Mr. Peterson, Assistant Principal, and Mr. Daily, Assistant Principal. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard "presented the colors" to "Oh Beautiful". Immediately following was a moving rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" by the Jubilee Chorus under the direction of Natalia Douris. The Pledge of Allegiance was respectfully orated by all in attendance.

Mrs. Wendy Hunter then introduced the history behind "Why we celebrate Veterans Day", and the presentation was well orchestrated to demonstrate each era of our Nation's Armed Forces in chronological order, including costumed speakers for each period.

A short presentation of the American Revolution by student Alana Ward was followed by "Yankee Doodle" played by Katie Norris and Taylor Robin of the Hidden Oaks Symphonic Band. The entire Band then followed with "Homage to America" under the direction of Mr. Allen Gilbert.

The Civil War introduction was presented by John Trost, followed by the Jubilee Chorus and their rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" . World War One, presented by Curtis Csonka was followed by "America".

The special guest speaker was then introduced, General Irzyk, a Veteran of more than one War, and over thirty years of serving our Nation, addressed the students eloquently and made mention of how touched he was that the school, administration, faculty, staff and students took so much pride in offering this very special Ceremony. The General accompanied the Veterans of Foreign Wars and brought with him military vehicles that were ceremoniously parked in the school parking lot during the event.

Following General Irzyk, Jeremiah Fries presented World War Two, and students Kady Arthur, Rachelle Cucca and Laura Zebib performed "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B" with choreography by Reva Satchell.

The Korean War was presented by Danielle Curry, and the students listened intently to "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole, following was the Vietnam War presentation by Wesley Raffa and the Hidden Oaks Middle School Symphonic rousing rendition of "Rock America". The slide show created by Jo Ann Martin and Mrs. Harvey was a special touch.

Corey Jeacoma presented the Gulf War, and the Band followed by offering a moving arrangement of "God Bless the U.S.A." and the Ceremony was concluded by the presentation of The War on Terror by Aaron Whitemore and Bryson Wray. No Veterans Day Ceremony could honorably be concluded without the "Marches of the Armed Forces", played respectfully by the Hidden Oaks Middle School Symphonic Band where the audience stands out of respect of their Branch of Service or that of one of their loved ones.

As the parent of two children that attend Hidden Oaks Middle School, I could not be more proud of the appreciation that is shown to our Veterans. We are confident that their show of respect and admiration was very memorable to each Veteran that attended.

Later that same afternoon, the Hidden Oaks Middle School Concert Band offered another tribute to the brave men and women who serve or who have served in our Military, Police Departments, Fire Departments and EMT Departments. The special Concert was held at 2:00 p.m. in the Band Room. There were several distinguished guests and of course parents and friends. A particularly moving day for the entire school.

Our thanks to the Hidden Oaks Middle School Band Boosters, Chorus Boosters and parent volunteers forassisting with the presentations, Ms. Lambdin, Principal; Mr. Peterson, Assistant Principal; Mr. Dailey, Assistant Principal; Mr. Gilbert, Band Director; Ms Douris, Chorus Director; Mrs. Wendy Hunter and of course all of the students and their families that participated in this wonderful way of saying "Thank you!".