Annual Veterans Event

Chatham Charter saluted military veterans and active duty personnel leading up to the November 11th Veterans Day Holiday during an annual campus event on Wednesday, November 5, that gave students of all ages the opportunity to interact with military-affiliated guests and learn about their training, roles, and experiences. A group of staff and volunteers lined the driveway with American flags early Wednesday morning to welcome everyone to campus. Beginning at 9:00 am, early elementary students enjoyed books read by guests while upper elementary students had guest speakers. Students in grades 6-8 were busy rotating through activity stations that allowed them to experience elements of military training like a rucksack carry, first aid, survival skills, a litter carry, and PT. High school classes rotated through six sessions with speakers who discussed their military experiences and gave the students insight into how these skills can be transferred into civilian careers.

Two ceremonies, one for elementary grades and a second for middle and high school grades, further honored guests and were a special way to say thank you. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard presented the colors followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The school band played the National Anthem, America the Beautiful for the elementary ceremony, and an Armed Forces Medley for the second ceremony.

November 5th is also the National DECA Day of Service. Chatham Charter’s chapter of DECA sponsors Castle Café. The student-run enterprise provided coffee for guests during the pre-event networking time. The “Valuing Our Veterans” Community Service Initiative, founded last year by North Carolina DECA, allows members to give back to our state’s veterans and show appreciation for their service. The Chatham Charter chapter spearheaded a thank you card initiative where K-12 students were invited to sign cards to be given to individuals who have served in the military. DECA members also served as greeters, guides, and assisted with event setup and cleanup.

“We recognize that there’s nothing we could contribute to this event that would come close to showing the level of gratitude the veterans here today deserve. We hope that this event will serve as a small token of our gratitude and admiration for your unwavering dedication,” commented DECA chapter president Adam Reese.