VETERAN'S DAY

MHS Friday, November 10, 2017

"On Veteran's Day, as I watched my Father stand at attention, I saw the reflection of the waving American Flag pass by in his glasses. I also saw the formation of a glistening tear, and began to realize what the American Flag Means to Me."

"The American Flag stands for Pride, Strength, and Durability. During recent wars, people united behind the colors to show we are a force to be reckoned with. People of many nations turned the "American Way" into the "American Wave." American flags were and are, displayed in unheard of numbers on both businesses and homes. People wore flags on their clothing with great pride, indicating our nation was arising to the call of Democracy."

"This further displays the spirit and durability of our Flag. The Red, White and Blue colors call each American, to stand with her during times of peace and conflict. As a silent monitor, she stands guard and watches in all parts of the world. She is alive and honored each day in our schools, where she is proudly displayed int he classrooms. Before special events, she is proudly recognized and honored as the great Patriarch that she is. During Independence Day celebrations, we find the Stars and Stripes banners displayed as bunting. She is carried reverently by Color Guards in hometown parades. She continually sends a strong message of "Beware and Respect" to aggressor nations trying to destroy what she stands for."

"The American Flag waves continuously for her heroes who have fall in the past. Out of respect, for the greatest sacrifice our nation's heroes can make, she is the last adornment to be worn. She waves brightly for those of the future, who will stand by her side. From the Patriots Flag of "Don't Tread on Me" to the modern 50 star "Old Glory"-Pride and Spirit keeps her waving."

Gina Gelso-1991

Mr. Bob Gelso

Shop teacher Mr. Bob Gelso is one of our MHS heroes that we honored in Friday's Veteran's Day Assembly. Gelso served in the Army for six years. He was deployed in the war zone in Vietnam, Pleiku and An Khe. He was in a combat area from 1969-1970.

Trained as a Communication Specialist, he was responsible for the 4th I.D. Air Force Mike Strick area which covered 3,000 square miles of war zone.

He believes his military experience made him really understand what freedom means. "Many hero's fought to give us our rights and freedom."

Like many veterans, Gelso suffers from PTSD, a condition in which visions and emotions from combat may be triggered by certain sounds or actions.

In spite of this, to him, our Flag represents all of our freedoms.

"The Flag does not flutter in the breeze, but from the last breath of fallen heroes."

Mr. Roy Kelly

Mr. Roy Kelly, a math teacher here at MHS, is one of the proud and noble veterans that work at our school. He served 24 years in United States Army, and has been awarded multiple medals for his service. During his career, Kelly served in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, New Mexico and Germany.

Kelly received Officer Basic and Advanced training, MA Management, Command and General Staff College. He trained soldiers how to survive in combat situations.

Kelly uses the skills he acquired every day. Critical thinking, leadership and people skills helped him adjust to nonmilitary jobs, including teacher. He explains; "I am proud to interact with today's youth, and continually relate real world use of the math I teach,"

Our flag is very important to Kelly. "I am deeply grateful for all the freedoms that our flag represents." I stand at attention, pledge allegiance, and honor our flag.

He wishes that today's youth would build more productive interpersonal skills to better communicate with one another.

"Technology is great, but it does not always contribute to the personal gratification that can be obtained from group thinking, helping others be as successful as you are, and setting goals that benefit entire communities."

Mr. Charles Preaus

Charles Preaus is another of MHS's proud veterans. He served in the U.S. Army from 1989 to 1993. For most of his enlistment he was in Panama. He was never deployed in a war zone. His special training was at the Defense Language Institute in Monterrey, California. He also trained at the 97 Echo Military Intelligence Interrogator School at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

When asked how his military service affected his life, he replied:

"My time in the Army made me the person I am today. It gave me discipline, structure, confidence, and a sense of purpose."

"Often I reflect on my time in the service, as well as growing up in a military family."

When he sees the U.S. flag, he feels very proud as it represents, to him. those who have fought, served and died for our country. He is often reminded of his time in the service and his military family. Preaus believes that everyone can benefit by serving our nation in the military.

Veteran's Day Assembly: Other Projects

Every year the Miami High School chapter of the National Honor Society, MHS band, and choir put together an assembly that honored and recognizes all Veterans. We all stood to salute the flag and Veterans when the band and choir played the Star Spangled-Banner. The Veterans were asked to stand when the flag of their specific branch of service was presented. The Miami High School band and choir honored the Veterans with several musical pieces such as the "Armed Forces Salute", "God Bless the USA", and "Salute to America". For the first time this year we also recognized the Firefighters, Police and First Responders who serve us in time of emergency. Alexa Payne wrote the following poem that was about what it meant to honor those who served.

"We Honor All"

On this day we honor all,

Every veteran who answered the call

To save this nation and let freedom reign

Through every storm, and every hurricane.

With loyalty and courage, they fought side by side,

Putting lives on the line to serve us with pride.

To those who fought for the red, white, and blue:

With gratefulness today, we honor you.

You give us hope for future generations

That we may remain this great nation.

Without you brave women and men,

Our safety and rights might come to an end.

Our heroes, every soldier-women and men-

Deserves gratitude given in any way we can.

So whenever you see a warrior such as they,

Make sure to appreciate them each and every day.

After the program ended all Veterans and their guests were invited to stay for a luncheon, which was located in the MAC Lobby. We would like to give a big thanks for Gina White, Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, for preparing the food, and anyone else who helped put together such a wonderful assembly.

Veteran's Day Assembly: Welcome

VETERAN'S DAY

"On Veteran's Day, as I watched my Father stand at attention, I saw the reflection of the waving American Flag pass by in his glasses. I also saw the formation of a glistening tear, and began to realize what the American Flag Means to Me."

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Gina Gelso-1991

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​

​

Mr. Bob Gelso

​

Shop teacher Mr. Bob Gelso is one of our MHS heroes that we honored in Friday's Veteran's Day Assembly. Gelso served in the Army for six years. He was deployed in the war zone in Vietnam, Pleiku and An Khe. He was in a combat area from 1969-1970.

​

Trained as a Communication Specialist, he was responsible for the 4th I.D. Air Force Mike Strick area which covered 3,000 square miles of war zone.

​

He believes his military experience made him really understand what freedom means. "Many hero's fought to give us our rights and freedom."

​

Like many veterans, Gelso suffers from PTSD, a condition in which visions and emotions from combat may be triggered by certain sounds or actions.

​

In spite of this, to him, our Flag represents all of our freedoms.

​

"The Flag does not flutter in the breeze, but from the last breath of fallen heroes."

​

​

Mr. Roy Kelly

​

Mr. Roy Kelly, a math teacher here at MHS, is one of the proud and noble veterans that work at our school. He served 24 years in United States Army, and has been awarded multiple medals for his service. During his career, Kelly served in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, New Mexico and Germany.

​

Kelly received Officer Basic and Advanced training, MA Management, Command and General Staff College. He trained soldiers how to survive in combat situations.

​

Kelly uses the skills he acquired every day. Critical thinking, leadership and people skills helped him adjust to nonmilitary jobs, including teacher. He explains; "I am proud to interact with today's youth, and continually relate real world use of the math I teach,"

​

Our flag is very important to Kelly. "I am deeply grateful for all the freedoms that our flag represents." I stand at attention, pledge allegiance, and honor our flag.

​

He wishes that today's youth would build more productive interpersonal skills to better communicate with one another.

​

"Technology is great, but it does not always contribute to the personal gratification that can be obtained from group thinking, helping others be as successful as you are, and setting goals that benefit entire communities."

​

​

Mr. Charles Preaus

​

​

When asked how his military service affected his life, he replied:

​

"My time in the Army made me the person I am today. It gave me discipline, structure, confidence, and a sense of purpose."

​

"Often I reflect on my time in the service, as well as growing up in a military family."

​

When he sees the U.S. flag, he feels very proud as it represents, to him. those who have fought, served and died for our country. He is often reminded of his time in the service and his military family. Preaus believes that everyone can benefit by serving our nation in the military.

​

​

​

"We Honor All"

​

On this day we honor all,

Every veteran who answered the call

To save this nation and let freedom reign

Through every storm, and every hurricane.

​

With loyalty and courage, they fought side by side,

Putting lives on the line to serve us with pride.

To those who fought for the red, white, and blue:

With gratefulness today, we honor you.

​

You give us hope for future generations

That we may remain this great nation.

Without you brave women and men,

Our safety and rights might come to an end.

​

Our heroes, every soldier-women and men-

Deserves gratitude given in any way we can.

So whenever you see a warrior such as they,

Make sure to appreciate them each and every day.

​

​

​

​

​